CALIFORNIA BRIEFING

A 42-year-old man was fatally shot early Sunday during a confrontation with another partygoer, police said.

George Springer was killed by a man wielding a shotgun after the two had fought earlier during the party in the 8500 block of Bel Air Street, a few blocks from Knott’s Berry Farm, said Buena Park Police Sgt. Bill Kohanek.

The confrontation began when a small group of suspected gang members was asked to leave the party, Kohanek said.

Springer, a relative of the party’s host and a resident of the Bel Air Street home, allegedly smashed a beer bottle over the head of one of the people who was asked to leave.

That man left the party with his friends but returned later with a shotgun, Kohanek said. Springer had grabbed a handgun, and the two men faced off in the front yard of the home shortly after midnight, Kohanek said.

Springer was shot once in the side and died at a nearby hospital about 3 a.m. It’s unclear whether he fired any shots, Kohanek said.

Police said they are seeking help in identifying the shooter and asked anyone with information to call (714) 562-3901.

-- Jack Leonard