Suspect in custody after 3 men found dead in Detroit basement, police say

A suspect been taken into custody as the investigation continues into the circumstances of three men found dead earlier this week in a Detroit home. 

Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison gave that report during a press conference Friday afternoon, saying the 27-year-old man was taken into custody Thursday. Police did not give his name, saying they will submit the case to the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office for review of charges. A vehicle also has been located as part of the investigation.

"I felt it was important that we update to community so as to let them or relieve them from fear or panic. We believe that there is no danger to the public at this time," said Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison.

Earlier Friday, a Detroit Police Department spokesperson had confirmed that a "person of interest" was in custody and that the department's Homicide Task Force continues the investigation into the case. 

The bodies of three men were found on Wednesday afternoon in the basement of a home on Edsel Street, near Francis Avenue and Fort Street. Detroit police were responding to a 911 call about a missing person report about 12:50 p.m. that day when another individual approached officers to report they had been assaulted. 

Detroit Police Commander Rebecca McKay said when police entered the home, they found the bodies of three deceased men who had been "apparently brutally assaulted." 

Bettison confirmed that police had encountered "a bloody scene" when they checked on the circumstances.

The victims have, in the meantime, been identified as Mark Barnett, 65; Norman Hamlin, 66; and William Barrett, 72. Hamlin was the primary resident of that home, according to police. 

While the suspect's name has not been released, officials say he does have a lengthy criminal history and is currently on parole.

"Some of his past offenses include carjacking, armed robbery, felony firearm, fleeing from police, resisting and obstructing," said Bettison.

The suspect's connection to the victims is still unknown