SLC man killed in domestic violence call identified by neighbors, has history of domestic abuse and arson

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — Neighbors have identified the 60-year-old man shot and killed by Salt Lake City Police during a domestic violence call last night. The man had a history of domestic violence and arson, according to arrest records.

Neighbors identified the man as Christian Allen, who was arrested on charges of attempted murder, domestic violence, and arson in 2010.

Merle French, a neighbor, told ABC4.com, “We know that there’s been some issues with domestic violence in the particular home that he has spent some time in jail. More recently, things got heated again, and she ended up getting a restraining order on him.”

According to charging documents from 2010, Allen was accused of assaulting his wife at the time, choking her, and pouring gasoline on her. She was able to escape to a neighbor’s house, and when she did, Allen reportedly lit his home on fire.

Allen was initially charged with aggravated arson (a first-degree felony), attempted criminal homicide (a first-degree felony), aggravated assault (a third-degree felony), and two counts of commission of domestic violence in the presence of a child (third-degree felonies).

Allen’s former wife was granted a no-contact protective order, according to court records. In January of 2011, Allen pleaded guilty to charges of aggravated arson and aggravated assault, and the other charges were dismissed.

On the night of May 26, 2025, Salt Lake City police officers responded to a call just after midnight. Police said the call was made by a woman who reported that her ex-husband was breaking into her home in violation of a court-issued order. She was hiding in the bedroom with her children and told police she smelled gasoline.

“It was not unexpected that something like that happened, given the history,” French said.

Police entered the home, and reportedly, at least two officers fired their guns, killing the suspect.

“It’s extremely sad because whenever you lose a life and you have people, a young family, and they have to deal with the aftermath. The aftermath is going to be hard for that family,” French said.

The current investigation is still ongoing. Detectives told ABC4.com that they are still not confirming the name of the suspect at this time.

Derick Fox contributed to this report.