Three elderly men were found dead inside a Detroit home, and prosecutors now say a 27-year-old suspect arrested in a nearby hammer attack may be connected to the case.
The shocking discovery has left the local community disturbed, especially after police revealed the victims had been brutally assaulted inside the house. Investigators are still working to understand exactly how the suspect is linked to the deaths.
Three Men Found Dead in Detroit Basement
According to the Detroit Police Department, officers discovered the bodies of three men inside a home on the 3100 block of South Edsel Street on February 18.
The victims were identified as:
- Norman Hamlin, 66
- Mark Barnett, 65
- William Barrett, 72
Police said the men were found in the basement, covered with dirty clothes and a carpet. Officials believe the assault happened inside the home and that the bodies were not moved there from another location.
Detroit Police Cmdr. Rebecca McKay told reporters that the victims had “apparently been brutally assaulted.” Sources later said there was blood throughout the house, and investigators believe the men had been dead for about a day before being found.
Here is a brief overview of the case:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date Bodies Found | February 18 |
| Location | 3100 block of South Edsel Street, Detroit |
| Victims | Three men, ages 65–72 |
| Condition | Found in basement, covered with clothes and carpet |
| Cause | Believed to be violent assault |
Hammer Attack Suspect Linked to Case
The suspect, 27-year-old Lance Clowney II, was arrested after allegedly attacking another person near the same residence with a hammer.
According to prosecutors, police were in the area investigating a missing person report when a victim approached them and reported being assaulted with a hammer. Officers later detained Clowney and reportedly found him carrying a hammer, a baseball bat, and three mobile phones.
During Clowney’s court arraignment, prosecutors said they believe he may be connected to both the hammer attack and the deaths of the three men. However, he has not yet been formally charged in connection with the killings.
Clowney is currently facing charges of:
- Assault with intent to murder
- Assault with a dangerous weapon
He has been denied bond after prosecutors argued that he poses a threat to the community.
Suspect’s Criminal History
Court records show that Clowney has a serious criminal background. His past convictions include:
- Armed robbery
- Carjacking
- Felony firearm possession
- Fleeing police
He was released from prison in January 2025 after serving a sentence of five to fifteen years for carjacking and armed robbery. In May, he pleaded guilty to assault and battery and was sentenced to 40 days in jail, with credit for time already served.
Prosecutors told the judge that due to the violent nature of the recent assault, they believe there is a connection between Clowney and the three deceased men found in the basement.
Community in Shock
Neighbours said they did not hear or see anything unusual before the bodies were discovered. One local resident described the incident as tragic and shocking, especially since it happened so close to home.
Police continue to investigate the case, and Clowney is scheduled to appear in court for a probable cause hearing on Tuesday.
The investigation remains active as authorities work to determine what exactly happened inside the home and whether additional charges will be filed. The brutal deaths of three elderly men have deeply shaken the Detroit community, raising concerns about safety and repeat violent offenders.
As detectives gather more evidence, many are hoping for clear answers and justice for the victims. Officials are urging anyone with information related to the case to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation.
