Homicide detectives continue to look for a man who shot and killed a Salt Lake man following a drug deal gone awry.
Raymond Duke Allen, 41, of the Avenues area, died at LDS Hospital after he was shot in the head and chest. Witnesses to the 5 a.m. shooting were questioned throughout the day, but many details of the events remain unclear - including Allen's involvement in the drug deal.Allen and a friend were with several other people, including a man who was dealing drugs, at the Alta Motel Lodge, 1899 S. State. Police frequently arrest people there on prostitution and drug charges.
The suspect and his friend purchased cocaine from the dealer and then left the group, according to statements given to police.
But the drug buyers decided they didn't like the quality of the drugs, returned and demanded a refund, said Salt Lake Police Sgt. Ron Millard. The dealer, however, apparently refused.
Some time later, Allen and his friend decided to leave. In the meantime, the dispute continued between the drug dealer and the man who had purchased the cocaine. Allen and his friend got into a Jeep and began driving away. The suspect pulled a small-caliber rifle from his vehicle and fired at least six shots. Two hit Allen as his friend drove the Jeep away.
Millard said detectives are still investigating the shooting, including the possibility that Allen was the victim of mistaken identity. However, investigators don't believe they've received the whole story regarding the event.
Police are looking for a Hispanic male with short, curly hair who was driving a Datsun.