Authorities said the 21-year-old was indicted in the killing and dismemberment of an unhoused man before a confrontation with officers ended in gunfire.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A Kentucky man accused of killing and dismembering an unhoused man died in an officer-involved shooting after authorities attempted to arrest him on murder and assault charges tied to a monthslong investigation, police said.
Louisville Metro Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Michael Hristov. Investigators said he was indicted on charges including murder, abuse of a corpse and assault in connection with the death of Michael Howard, whose body was discovered in a homeless encampment in December 2025. The case drew widespread attention because of the brutality of the killing and evidence that investigators said suggested the suspect may have targeted unhoused people.
According to police, the investigation began after a Dec. 21, 2025, social media post warned that a serial killer might be targeting unhoused people in Louisville and leaving satanic symbols near victims. Days later, on Christmas Day, an unhoused man survived a stabbing attack. On Dec. 26, officers discovered Howard’s body in a homeless encampment. Investigators said he had been killed two days earlier and found evidence that his body had been mutilated after death. Authorities later connected Hristov to both the fatal killing and the earlier nonfatal stabbing through surveillance footage, witness statements and forensic evidence collected during the investigation.
Police said search warrants executed during the investigation uncovered additional evidence linking Hristov to the crime. Investigators recovered a backpack that allegedly contained blood matching Howard’s DNA. Detectives also examined electronic records and online accounts associated with the suspect. According to police, an internet account connected to Hristov appeared linked to the earlier social media warning about a possible serial killer. Authorities said digital evidence recovered during the investigation included disturbing images and communications that became part of the case file. Officials have not publicly released all evidence because investigators are still determining whether additional crimes may be connected to the suspect.
Deputy Chief Emily McKinney said investigators found evidence suggesting Hristov had expressed violent interests before the killing. Police alleged he had a history of troubling behavior, including statements about wanting to target unhoused people. Authorities also cited evidence they said reflected an interest in serial killers and mass shooters. Investigators have not announced whether any mental health evaluations had been conducted before the crimes. Community advocates for unhoused residents said the allegations heightened fears among vulnerable populations living in encampments throughout the Louisville area. Several organizations called for continued outreach and protection efforts while the investigation remains open.
The case entered a new phase on May 14 when Louisville Metro Police officers and SWAT personnel arrived at Hristov’s residence to serve arrest warrants following his indictment. Authorities said the suspect began firing at officers from inside the home shortly after law enforcement arrived. During the standoff, police said Hristov contacted emergency dispatchers and indicated he was armed. Negotiators attempted for roughly 20 minutes to persuade him to surrender peacefully. Officials said he later exited the residence wearing protective equipment, including a helmet and ballistic vest, while still carrying a weapon. Officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the firearm, police said, but he did not comply.
The confrontation ended when Officer Beau Gadegaard fired a single shot that struck Hristov. He was pronounced dead following the encounter. No officers were reported injured during the shooting. Police said the officer-involved shooting will undergo a separate review under department procedures. Meanwhile, homicide detectives continue examining whether Hristov may have been connected to other attacks involving unhoused individuals in Louisville. Investigators have not announced any additional suspects, and no further arrests have been reported. Authorities said evidence reviews, interviews and forensic analysis remain ongoing as detectives work to determine whether other unsolved incidents may be linked to the case.
The investigation remained active Thursday, with police continuing to review evidence and examine possible connections to other crimes. Officials said additional findings could be released as detectives complete outstanding forensic and digital analyses.