Long Beach Man Fatally Shot During Fundraiser

An 18-year-old Long Beach man was fatally shot and two others were wounded Saturday night at a fundraiser for a day-care center, police said Sunday.

Two males, aged 18 and 16, hurt in the 10 p.m. incident on the 900 block of Pine Avenue, were taken to a hospital with injuries that weren’t life-threatening, said Long Beach Police Sgt. David Marander.

John Butler, 18, died at the scene, a Los Angeles County coroner’s official said.

Police believe the shooting was gang-related, but gave no suspects or motive. The name of the day-care center was not released.

Police estimated that 50 to 100 people were at the event, but only a handful remained when officers arrived.

“The shooting erupted, and everyone just took off,” Marander said.

“We’re hoping that one of these partygoers will give [Long Beach detectives] a call.”

The homicide bureau can be reached at (562) 570-7244.