Salt Lake Police believe the shooting death of a man in his apartment early today was drug-related.
The body of Julio Balderama, 38, was found in the living room of his apartment. Police say Balderama had a long criminal history, including an extensive record of drug-related arrests, and had served some time in prison.
Based on statements collected at the scene, as well as other evidence found, detectives this morning determined the shooting most likely was drug-related.
About 1:15 a.m. two men knocked on the door of the apartment, 1867 S. 400 East. But before anyone inside could answer, the men kicked the door open, according to police. Shortly after entering, the men shot Balderama, said Salt Lake police Lt. Gary Young.
The man's adult daughter called 911 to say her father had been shot. When investigators arrived they found Balderama dead on the living room floor, Young said. The father and his daughter were the only two people inside the apartment.
Two men wearing bandannas over their faces ran out of the apartment after the shooting and were last seen fleeing southbound.
The shooting marked the second homicide in Salt Lake this week. On Sunday, the body of 21-year-old Jonathan Mardoniz was found dead inside an apartment at 1340 S. 200 East. Detectives were still looking for suspects in that case.
Of the state's 12 homicides so far this year, six have been in Salt Lake, according to records compiled by the Deseret News.