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Victim in fatal SLC apartment shooting ID’d, suspect still at large

Posted at 10:05 PM, Sep 17, 2016
and last updated 2016-09-18 23:50:38-04

SALT LAKE CITY — Authorities have identified a man who was shot and killed at an apartment complex Saturday night as 18-year-old Eric Padilla. Police are still looking for the suspect in the shooting.

“It’s still shocking,” said Bernadette Cordova, a resident who lives nearby. “I didn’t hear gun shot, and I live right there!”

Cordova isn’t the only one left scratching their head in the aftermath. The incident occurred at the Sky Harbor Apartments, 221 N. Sun Arbor Terrace. Salt Lake City police were called to the scene just after 9 p.m. When they arrived, they found Padilla dead in the residence.

Det. Cody Lougy, SLC PD, said the victim and another male were inside an apartment when someone knocked on the door. When they opened the door, the suspect was there. It’s not clear exactly what happened next, but at some point Padilla was shot and killed.

“He got shot in the head,” Cordova added. “It’s devastating.”

The second male inside the residence was not injured. Police have so far described the suspect only as a Hispanic man who was wearing all black. That suspect fled on foot after the shooting and is still outstanding. Police said at this point it’s unclear if the suspect and victim knew each other.

Meanwhile, other residents at Sky Harbor remain on edge while police look for the killer.

“I’m waiting for the news that the suspect has been found,” said Sheradh Sheri, a neighbor who takes walks at night. “Once he’s found, I’ll be less nervous.”