Veteran shot, killed during party; suspect sought

SYLMAR, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A 21-year-old Army veteran was shot and killed in his neighborhood Sunday. A suspect has not been arrested.

According to authorities, Francisco Garcia was shot and killed after a dispute broke out during a party near his girlfriend's home near Dronfield Avenue and Astoria Street around 2 a.m. The LAPD first reported that the party was meant as a homecoming celebration for Garcia. Garcia's sister later clarified that he had returned home from a tour of duty in Afghanistan four months ago.

(Editorial note, 11/13/14: The LAPD initially told Eyewitness News that a close friend of Garcia's said he had been deployed to Afghanistan. However, the U.S. Army confirmed to ABC News that Garcia was never deployed to Afghanistan.)

Police said at some point during the night, Garcia and his friends decided to move the party a few blocks away from the home. Garcia was standing on the sidewalk with friends when a dark SUV and a white Honda Accord or Toyota pulled up across the street. A Hispanic man in his 20s exited the SUV and smashed a beer bottle on the ground and yelled at Garcia from across the way. The man then walked over to white car, was given a handgun from someone inside and began shooting.

Garcia died at the scene, police said. Police are trying to determine details regarding the dispute.

Police believe Garcia and the suspect knew each other.

"They knew each other in some kind of a fashion because there was a dispute going on," said LAPD Det. Juan Santa. "I don't know how well they knew each other."

Detectives said they believe the people inside the two cars had come from another location and had not been at the party earlier in the night.

Neighbors say they heard two sets of gunfire, followed by Garcia's friends screaming for someone to dial 911. Detectives have recovered several bullet casings from the scene. There were no other injuries.

Friends remembered Garcia as a very outgoing person, who had plans to start a family when he returned home. Garcia had also recently been accepted to the California Highway Patrol academy.

"I don't know why this would happen to him," said friend Maddy Merez, who began crying. "I know he really wanted kids too. That's a big thing. He told me he wanted kids when he came back."

A memorial began to grow at the site of the shooting Sunday morning. A vigil for Garcia was held at 6 p.m.

"He's the best brother in the world. Sweetest. Big heart. Never hurt anybody," sister Valerie Garcia said.

The LAPD also first reported that Garcia was 22 years old; he was 21.

Garcia's family is raising funds for his funeral. To donate, gofundme.com/h0x0dg.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at (818) 838-9948 or Crimestoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.