Suspect Arrested in Southwest Detroit Triple Murder

Key evidence recovered as police continue investigation into motive and timeline

Feb. 20, 2026 at 9:25pm

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Detroit police have arrested a 27-year-old suspect with a criminal history in connection with a triple homicide that occurred on Edsel Street in Southwest Detroit. The victims were identified as 66-year-old Norman Hamlin, 72-year-old William Barrett, and 65-year-old Mark Barnett. Police recovered a vehicle near the suspect's home that contained evidence believed to be connected to the killings.

Why it matters

Violent crimes like this triple murder have a significant impact on the local community, raising concerns about public safety and the need for effective crime prevention and rehabilitation programs. The arrest of a suspect with a history of violent offenses also highlights ongoing debates around bail reform and the challenges of reintegrating parolees into society.

The details

According to Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison, the suspect was arrested after a tip from a community member led officers to the 1400 block of West Vernor on Thursday, February 19th. Police located and took the suspect, a 27-year-old Black man with locs, into custody, and also recovered a vehicle near his home containing evidence believed to be connected to the homicides. The suspect's past offenses include carjacking, armed robbery, felony firearm possession, fleeing from police, resisting, and obstructing.

  • The investigation began around 12:45 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18th, when officers responded to a missing person call.
  • One of the victims was reported missing prior to the discovery of the homicides, which initially brought police to the neighborhood.
  • Investigators believe the murders occurred between Tuesday afternoon and early Wednesday morning.

The players

Todd Bettison

Detroit Police Chief who announced the arrest of the suspect and provided updates on the investigation.

Norman Hamlin

A 66-year-old victim who was identified as a Marine veteran and a good man who struggled with drug addiction.

William Barrett

A 72-year-old victim who was one of the three men found dead inside the home on Edsel Street.

Mark Barnett

A 65-year-old victim who was one of the three men found dead inside the home on Edsel Street.

Charles Fitzgerald

Detroit Police Assistant Chief who provided an update on the case, stating that all three victims suffered blunt force trauma, with two also sustaining stab wounds.

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What they’re saying

“We are working to present the investigator's report to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office. We believe this is an isolated incident and wanted to update the community to relieve fear or panic.”

— Todd Bettison, Detroit Police Chief (clickondetroit.com)

“They were left in a basement area covered in old, dirty clothing, and one person was covered in a carpet.”

— Charles Fitzgerald, Detroit Police Assistant Chief (clickondetroit.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing violent crime in Detroit, particularly the need for effective rehabilitation programs and community-based approaches to public safety. The arrest of a suspect with a history of violent offenses also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing recidivism and protecting vulnerable communities.