A Salt Lake man was shot and killed Friday following an apparent drug deal gone bad.

Raymond Duke Allen, 41, of the Avenues area, was shot twice while in front of the Alta Motel Lodge, 1899 S. State, about 5 a.m. Friday as he and a friend were driving away.Salt Lake police said their initial investigation indicates that Allen and his unidentified companion were trying to purchase drugs at the motel.

An argument broke out between the person allegedly selling the narcotics and the two buyers.

"It involved a drug-rip of some sort," explained Salt Lake Police Lt. Jim Bell. "Whether it was the price or the nature of the drugs . . . we're not sure."

At some point, Allen and his friend decided to leave and got into their open-air Jeep. A suspect pulled a rifle from his vehicle as Allen and his friend began driving west on Westminster Ave. (1910 South). "The guy was shooting at them as they began pulling away," Bell said.

Allen, originally from the Las Vegas area, was shot once in the head. A second shot went through his arm and into his chest. He was taken to LDS Hospital, where he died about two hours later.

The gunman took off immediately after the shooting and is still at large. Officers were questioning witnesses and the victim's friend late Friday morning hoping to obtain additional information.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.