One month after the discovery of three elderly men's bodies in a blood-soaked Detroit basement, Lance Clowney II, 27, has been charged with first-degree murder in the killings. The attacks allegedly occurred on February 17, 2026, at a home in the 3100 block of South Edsel Street, using a hammer and knife. Clowney was initially arrested for assaulting a fourth man at the scene.
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy announced charges against Lance Alan Clowney, 27, of Detroit, for the homicides of Mark Barnett, 65, Norman Hamlin, 66, both of Detroit, and Williams Barrett, 72, of River Rouge. As previously reported, the bodies were found on February 18 hidden under carpet and dirty clothes in Hamlin's basement after Barrett's wife reported him missing. A fourth victim alerted police to an assault by Clowney, who was apprehended nearby with the hammer, a baseball bat, and three phones.
Investigators linked Clowney to the murders through the assault and further evidence. He faces first-degree murder charges after his initial assault charges. Clowney has prior convictions including armed robbery, carjacking, and fleeing police; he was paroled in January 2025. Detroit Police Cmdr. Rebecca McKay confirmed the assaults occurred inside the home. A judge denied bond, citing him as a community threat. His probable cause conference is scheduled for April 8, with a preliminary examination on April 15.
