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3 Dead in LA 'Santa' Shooting

Man opened fire at Christmas Eve party

By Ambreen Ali, Newser User

Posted Dec 25, 2008 9:39 AM CST

(Newser) – Three people are dead and as many injured after a man dressed as Santa Claus opened fire at a Christmas Eve party, CNN reports. The suburban Los Angeles house was engulfed in a fire when police arrived, the AP adds, and Santa walked off in street clothes. Police are looking for the estranged husband of a woman who may have been at the party.

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The shooter dressed up as Santa Claus and opened fire at a Christmas Eve party. Here, a Santa Claus poses with children at a shopping mall. (AP Photo/Lai Seng Sin)

Police say Bruce Jeffrey Pardo is a "person of interest" after a man in a Santa suit opened fire at a Christmas Eve party in a suburban Los Angeles home last night. (Covina (Calif.) Police Department)

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It's extremely unusual and very shocking. It's just not something we see here at any time of the year, especially during Christmas. - Police Lt. Pat Buchanan

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3 Dead in LA 'Santa' Shooting