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SALT LAKE CITY — A Salt Lake man accused of shooting and killing three people, including a baby, exhibited bizarre behavior three months before the weekend killings, according to a police report.
On June 7, officers were called to the home of 32-year-old Alexander Hung Tran, 639 N. Sir Phillip Drive (1990 West). It is the same house where police say Tran killed Heike Poike, 50, her granddaughter Lyrik Poike, age 2 months, and Dakota Smith, 28, on Friday.
Police were called by Tran's step-father on a "possible psychotic problem" on that June day, according to a Salt Lake police report obtained by KSL.
"He stated his step-son, Alex (Tran), has been acting very strange for several days. Today, he took apart a pair of scissors, held the pieces in his hands and started screaming he was Edward Scissorhands. He also brandished several kitchen knives in an alarming manner," the report states.
"His mother and step-father appeared to be extremely frightened of Alex and refused to go back inside the house," the responding officer wrote.
Tran's step-father and mother told police that he "does not have a history of mental issues or drug problems," according to the report.
When officers went inside the house to talk to Tran, "he was in his underwear and denied there was a problem. His behavior and speech was extremely bizarre and he seemed edgy and unpredictable," the report states.
Tran was handcuffed both for his safety and the safety of officers, and transported to University Hospital.
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Families seek answers in wake of triple homicide
As Salt Lake police prepare their criminal case against a man accused of murdering three people — including a 2-month-old baby — relatives of the victims continued to mourn Sunday as their list of questions grows.When Tran was arrested Friday, neighbors said he was wearing only underwear and a sweatshirt.
In a separate incident, one neighbor said Tran ran into his mailbox late last month. The neighbor said he wasn't sure if Tran was drunk or not paying attention. He was charged Aug. 29 in Salt Lake City Justice Court with reckless driving and an insurance violation, both class B misdemeanors.
On Tuesday, Tran appeared via video from the Salt Lake County Jail for a hearing in Salt Lake City Justice Court on the reckless driving case. He pleaded not guilty to each count. His next court hearing in that case is scheduled for Dec. 15.
No criminal charges have been filed against Tran in the triple homicide. The Salt Lake County District Attorney's Office has asked for a time extension to review the case and prepare official charges. Charges may not be filed until early next week.
Investigators have not indicated a possible motive for the killings. Tran had been living in the basement of the home in the Westpointe neighborhood of Salt Lake City while Poike rented the upper area of the house.
