Slain Fountain Valley man identified

The man shot to death outside a house party in Fountain Valley last weekend has been identified, while police continue to investigate the motive for the attack.

Waldo De Paz, Jr., 20, of Irvine died from a single gunshot to the chest shortly after midnight Sunday. Sgt. Eric Orahood said details of the incident were sketchy, but it appeared that a group of people approached the house during the party and at least one person fired multiple rounds. De Paz was the only person hit, Orahood said.

Police have made no arrests so far, but Orahood said some leads had been promising.

“Our detectives are working on it,” he said. “We think there is a chance that it was gang-related, but that’s just speculation at this time based on some witness statements.”

The neighborhood north of Mile Square Regional Park, he added, is not usually a troubled area. Orahood said it was unclear if the assailants were attending the party or trying to enter it.

“In this city, I’m surprised we didn’t get calls on the party before the incident happened,” he said. “Usually, the residents are not very tolerant of large house parties.”

Anyone with information is asked to call the police at (714) 593-4485.