DETROIT, MI – A 27-year-old Detroit man arrested after allegedly attacking someone with a hammer has been linked to the deaths of three men over 60 found covered by carpet and clothing in a blood-soaked basement, prosecutors announced.
Lance Clowney II was charged with assault with intent to murder and assault with a dangerous weapon following the February 18 hammer attack, but has not yet been charged in connection with the three deaths. Prosecutors told a judge that Clowney poses a threat to the community and he was denied bond.
Police discovered the bodies of Norman Hamlin, 66, Mark Barnett, 65, and William Barrett, 72, in the basement of a home on the 3100 block of South Edsel Street after responding to reports of the hammer attack nearby, according to Detroit Police Commander Rebecca McKay.
Officers were investigating a missing person report in the area around 12:50 p.m. when they were approached by someone who reported being attacked with a hammer near the residence. Police allegedly found Clowney with the hammer, a baseball bat, and three cell phones.
“Due to the assaultive nature, we believe the defendant is connected to not only this assault with the complaining witness in this matter, but the connection to three decedents in the basement,” a prosecutor said during Clowney’s arraignment, according to local media reports.
When officers entered the home where the alleged hammer attack occurred, they found the three victims’ bodies covered with “dirty clothes” and a carpet in the basement. Sources told local news outlets that blood was found throughout the home.
“It does not appear that the bodies were brought there,” McKay told reporters at a press conference. “It appears that the assault happened inside of the home.” The men had been dead for approximately one day when discovered.
Court records show Clowney has multiple felony convictions including armed robbery, carjacking, felony firearm possession and fleeing police. He was released from prison in January 2025 after serving time for carjacking and armed robbery convictions that carried a five to 15-year sentence. He pleaded guilty to assault and battery in May and was sentenced to 40 days in jail with credit for time served.
Neighbors reported they did not see or hear anything unusual before 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 to appear in court Tuesday for a probable cause hearing on the assault charges. Prosecutors have not announced when charges related to the three deaths might be filed.
