Nov. 12--An 18-year-old man was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of murder in connection with the weekend slaying of a 21-year-old Army veteran who had recently returned from Afghanistan, authorities said.
Vincent Estrada of Sylmar was being held at Van Nuys jail on $1-million bail on suspicion of killing Francisco Garcia, LAPD Officer Nuria Vanegas said.
Estrada had been detained by police earlier in the day while driving with his parents.
Garcia was fatally shot Sunday in the 13200 block of Dronfield Street before 2 a.m., Vernon said.
He had been celebrating with family and friends at the home of his girlfriend when partygoers decided to move to a new location, Det. Juan Santa said.
Two cars pulled up to where the group was standing near Astoria Street and an occupant of one of the cars jumped out, smashed a beer bottle on the ground and yelled at Garcia.
It appears that the dispute did not originate at the party but stemmed from a previous confrontation, Santa said. The killer walked to the other vehicle, got a handgun and began shooting at Garcia.
Garcia had returned from Afghanistan over the summer, officials said.
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UPDATE
9:44 p.m.: This post has been updated with the suspect's name and his arrest.
