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Gunman In Santa Suit Kills Six

At least six people have died after a man dressed as Santa Claus opened fire at a Christmas Eve party in southern California.
Police said three people believed to have been at the party remain missing.

The propertyin the city of Covina, Los Angeles County, was engulfed in flames after an explosion was heard.

At least two others are known to have been wounded by gunfire, including an eight-year-old girl.

The man police were seeking in connection with the murders, Bruce Jeffrey Pardo, has since been found dead at a relative's house.

"He died of self-inflicted wounds. We believe it was a marital dispute," said Lt. Pat Buchanan of the Covina Police Department.

The missing people include the couple who own the home and Pardo's ex-wife.

Pardo, 45, is understood to have immediately opened fire with a handgun upon arrival at the party.

Police Chief Kim Raney said Pardo used a homemade incendiary device to start the blaze after opening fire.

The two people wounded by gunfire were taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police lieutenant Pat Buchanan said.

A third person was also admitted with a broken leg, he said.

Witnesses among the 30 people attending the party told police that Pardo stripped off his Santa costume after the shooting and fled in street clothes.

Source - SkyNews