A violent attack inside a west Detroit home has led to first-degree murder charges against a 27-year-old man, weeks after three older men were found dead in a basement. Investigators say the suspect allegedly used a hammer and knife in the killings before fleeing, leaving behind a scene later described by police as a brutal assault inside the residence.
DETROIT, MI – Three men over the age of 60 were found dead in a basement on the 3100 block of South Edsel Street, days after an attack inside the home, and prosecutors now say the suspect in custody is responsible for their deaths. The bodies, discovered on Feb. 18, were initially not connected to Lance Clowney II until a separate assault investigation led police back to the same location.
According to the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, Clowney is charged in the deaths of Mark Barnett, 65, Norman Hamlin, 66, and Williams Barrett, 72. “Prosecutor Kym Worthy has charged Lance Alan Clowney, 27, of Detroit, in connection with the homicides of Mark Barnett, 65, and Norman Hamlin, 66, both of Detroit, and Williams Barrett, 72, of River Rouge,” the prosecutor’s press release says. “On February 17, 2026, at Mr. Hamlin’s home … it is alleged that Defendant Clowney struck the victims multiple times with a hammer and a knife, fatally wounding them, before fleeing the scene.”
Investigation linked suspect weeks after discovery
The victims were found after Barrett’s wife reported him missing on Feb. 18. Police, while canvassing the area, were approached by a man who said he had been attacked inside the same home. That individual reported being struck repeatedly with a hammer, an assault prosecutors later tied to Clowney.
Clowney was arrested and initially charged with assault with intent to murder and assault with a dangerous weapon related to the fourth victim. Authorities said the nature of that attack raised suspicions about his connection to the three bodies found in the basement.
He was allegedly found in possession of a hammer, a baseball bat, and three cellphones at the time of his arrest. A homicide investigation by the Detroit Police Department later led to upgraded charges, including first-degree murder.
“It does not appear that the bodies were brought there,” Detroit Police Cmdr. Rebecca McKay told reporters at a press conference after the discovery. “It appears that the assault happened inside of the home.” McKay added, “[The victims] had apparently been brutally assaulted.”
Prior convictions and court proceedings
Court records show Clowney has prior felony convictions, including armed robbery, carjacking, felony firearm possession, and fleeing police. He was released from prison in January 2025 after serving time for armed robbery and carjacking, and later pleaded guilty to assault and battery in May, receiving a 40-day sentence with credit for time served.
Following the filing of murder charges, Clowney was denied bond. Prosecutors argued he poses a threat to the community.
Neighbors told local media they were unaware of any disturbance prior to the discovery. “Didn’t hear a thing,” said block club president Thomas Barnes. “Tragic, especially when it’s right there under your nose, so to speak.”
Clowney is scheduled for a probable cause conference on April 8, with a preliminary examination set for April 15.
Detroit triple homicide, Lance Clowney charges, Edsel Street killings, Wayne County prosecutor case, Detroit basement deaths