Three men over the age of 60 were found brutally murdered in a basement in Detroit on February 18, 2026. The man accused of their deaths, Lance Clowney II, 27, was initially arrested for attacking a fourth person at the same residence. After a thorough investigation, Clowney now faces first-degree murder charges in connection with the killings.
Details of the Incident
The assault took place at a residence in the 3100 block of Edsel Street on February 17, 2026, when Clowney allegedly attacked Mark Barnett, 65, Norman Hamlin, 66, and Williams Barrett, 72, using a hammer and a knife. Clowney struck the victims multiple times, fatally wounding them before fleeing the scene. The bodies of Barnett, Hamlin, and Barrett were discovered the following day, and investigators initially had no immediate suspect.
However, the connection between Clowney and the murders came several weeks later, when he was arrested for a separate attack on another individual at the same residence. The victim, who survived, reported that Clowney had attacked him with a hammer. Upon arrest, Clowney was found in possession of the hammer, a baseball bat, and three phones.
Connection to the Murder Victims
The victim who survived the assault was able to identify Clowney as the attacker, prompting investigators to link him to the three homicides. Police had been in the area investigating a missing person report filed by Barrett’s wife on February 18, 2026. As they were conducting their search, they encountered the fourth victim, who described the brutal attack.
According to prosecutors, Clowney’s violent history, including armed robbery, carjacking, and felony firearm possession, made him a prime suspect. He had been released from prison in January 2025 after serving time for those offenses.
Details of the Victims and Crime Scene
The victims were found in the basement of Hamlin’s home, and sources reported that the area was covered in blood. Detroit Police Cmdr. Rebecca McKay described the attack as particularly violent, stating, “It appears that the assault happened inside the home,” indicating the victims were not brought to the location but were attacked within the residence.
The neighborhood, however, did not notice anything unusual before the discovery. Thomas Barnes, the block club president, said, “Didn’t hear a thing. Tragic, especially when it’s right there under your nose, so to speak.”
Clowney’s Criminal History
Clowney’s past criminal history includes multiple felony convictions, and prosecutors have noted his violent tendencies. In addition to the charges for the triple homicide, Clowney faces charges of assault with intent to murder and assault with a dangerous weapon. Following his arrest, he was denied bond and remains in custody due to the threat he poses to the community.
Court Proceedings
Clowney’s next court date is set for April 8, for a probable cause conference, with a preliminary examination scheduled for April 15. He is currently facing first-degree murder charges, which carry severe penalties.
Summary Table
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Victims | Mark Barnett (65), Norman Hamlin (66), Williams Barrett (72) |
| Suspect | Lance Clowney II (27) |
| Location | 3100 block of Edsel Street, Detroit, Michigan |
| Incident Date | February 17, 2026 |
| Charges | First-degree murder, assault with intent to murder, assault with a dangerous weapon |
| Weapon Used | Hammer and knife |
| Clowney’s Criminal History | Armed robbery, carjacking, felony firearm possession, fleeing police |
| Court Dates | Probable cause conference on April 8, preliminary examination on April 15 |
Seeking Justice for the Victims
The horrific attack on Mark Barnett, Norman Hamlin, and Williams Barrett has left the community shaken. As Clowney faces murder charges, the Detroit Police Department continues to seek justice for the victims and their families. The case highlights the ongoing issues of violent crime in the area and the need for justice in such brutal cases.
