LMPD OIS News Conference from W. Whitney Ave. on 5/14/26

Louisville, KY (May 27, 2026) – A Louisville Metro Police Department homicide investigation identified and located a dangerous suspect who died while officers tried to serve an arrest warrant on him. This case involved disturbing violence against vulnerable members of the community and reflects the persistence, professionalism, and coordination of LMPD homicide detectives, crime scene technicians, patrol, and SWAT officers. On December 21, a Reddit post alleged multiple killings of unhoused individuals near I-65, with symbols left at the scenes. At the time, LMPD had no related homicide cases or evidence of a serial offender. On December 25, officers responded to a stabbing involving a homeless victim near I-65. The victim survived and reported being attacked. Surveillance captured a white male on a motorized scooter leaving the area. On December 26, officers located Michael Howard deceased in a wooded area near I-65. Howard, who was homeless, was naked and covered in a blanket. He had multiple stab wounds and lacerations, including various symbols carved into his body. Eight of his toes had been cut off, seven were recovered at the scene, and one was missing. His genitalia was also cut off. Investigators later determined he was likely killed on December 24. During the investigation, unhoused individuals who live in the area shared with officers that a younger white male wearing tactical gear had been harassing them for months. A patrol officer recalled an unrelated incident six months earlier in which an individual matching that description provided an address but no name. The officer located body-worn camera footage from the incident. The address led detectives to identify Michael Hristov. Over several months, investigators developed evidence placing him at the crime scenes. On March 7th, detectives executed a search warrant. The evidence they uncovered included a photograph of a severed toe, believed to be Michael Howard’s, on Hristov’s iCloud account. Detectives were also able to identify the IP address from the Reddit Post and linked it to Hristov’s address. Michael Howard’s DNA was found in abundance on Hristov’s backpack. On May 13th, grand jury indicted Hristov on charges of murder, abuse of a corpse, and first-degree assault. On May 14th, SWAT executed a high-risk warrant at his West Whitney Avenue residence. Hristov fired multiple rounds at officers and shot down two department drones. After repeated commands and de-escalation attempts, he exited the residence armed, failing to comply with orders to drop his weapon. A SWAT officer discharged a single round, striking him. Hristov was pronounced deceased at the scene. No citizens or officers were injured in this incident. Gunfire struck nearby homes and vehicles, highlighting the risk to the surrounding neighborhood. A nearby elementary school was also briefly placed on lockdown. This case underscores both the seriousness of the crimes and the diligence of investigators whose work led to the identification and apprehension of a dangerous suspect.