The incident happened at a parking lot right next to the pier around 12:30 a.m. Monday, according to the Santa Monica Police Department. Video from the scene showed several evidence markers on the ground near the victim's body as officers investigated.
Detectives say a physical alteration broke out between two groups before the shooting, but the circumstances leading up to the deadly gunfire remain under investigation.
When officers arrived at the scene, they found the victim suffering multiple gunshot wounds. The victim, only described as an adult man, died at the scene.
"I'm not surprised," said Doug of Santa Monica. "There's a lot of crime down here, unfortunately, and it doesn't seem to be getting much better."
The shooting happened following a busy weekend for the city as people flocked to the beach to escape the heat and others gathered for a World Cup watch party.
Police are still working to track down the suspect and have yet to say how, if at all, the suspect knew the victim.
Anyone with information is urged to contact the police department at (310) 458-8491.