Jorge Santana, 20

Jorge Santana, 20, a Latino man, was shot to death at 12:55 a.m. Sunday, July 15, at 14615 Astoria St. in the northeast San Fernando Valley.

He had attended a flyer party, according to LAPD Mission Det. Jim Freund. There were about 25 to 35 people in attendance, mostly in the backyard, Santana among them. He got in an argument with another partygoer, and the suspect shot him in the torso. He was transported to a hospital and pronounced dead on arrival. Police had documented Santana's membership in an East Los Angeles gang, but do not know if this had anything to do with the quarrel.

This was the third Mission area homicide in a row that involved parties, and one of two thrown by so called "party crews," Freund said. Party crews seek locations to throw parties for money. They move them around from location to location, advertise on the Internet, and offer alcohol and "noz" (nitrogen oxide) tanks. Mission police have patrol cars specifically dedicated to such parties. If they find minors drinking, or any other illegal activity, they shut the parties down, Freund said.

Most of the other party guests have refused to cooperate with police in the investigation into Jorge Santana's killing. Anyone with information is asked to call Mission police at (818) 838-9800.

Update: A suspect was arrested then released after the District Attorney declined to file charges citing possible self defense issues.