A local business owner was found dead, lying in a pool of blood Wednesday afternoon, and police have yet to name a motive or any suspects in what they're calling a homicide.

"There was obvious evidence of a violent struggle," said West Valley City Police Capt. Tom McLachlan.

A friend of 36-year-old Tri Xuan Phan was to meet him at Vui Vui Billiards, 1839 W. 3500 South, around noon. The friend told police the front door was locked when he arrived so he went to a rear door and found it open a little, McLachlan said.

The friend also noticed that Phan's vehicle was locked and running outside the business but Phan was lying on the floor inside.

The size of the business, which is a large pool hall, and the appearance of a widespread struggle complicated investigation, McLachlan said. It took police several hours to gather evidence and assess the scene.

Investigators had to wait for a search warrant before they could enter the building and gather evidence to determine how long Phan had been dead. They were continuing to gather evidence late Wednesday night.

"We're investigating it as a homicide," McLachlan said. Family and friends of Phan told police they didn't know of anyone who would have wanted to kill Phan. They told police they didn't know of any enemies. McLachlan said the business did not appear to have been burglarized.

"The information out there is sketchy but there's nothing really to base a motive on," he said.

The man who found Phan's body told police Phan is a good person and there was no reason for anyone to kill him. Police have no record of any criminal activity at the business.

Aside from numerous traffic tickets, court records show Phan was found guilty of misdemeanor gambling more than 12 years ago.

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E-mail: wleonard@desnews.com