A Kentucky homicide suspect accused of carrying out a gruesome killing that shocked Louisville has been shot dead during an officer-involved shooting after a tense armed standoff with police.
Authorities say Michael Hristov was wanted in connection with the brutal murder of Michael Howard, an unhoused man whose dismembered and mutilated remains were discovered in a homeless encampment near I-65 on December 26, 2025.
Investigators later uncovered a chilling twist — just days before the killing, Hristov allegedly posted on Reddit warning about a “possible serial killer in Louisville” targeting unhoused people and leaving satanic symbols near bodies. Police say the disturbing post had actually been written by Hristov himself.
Detectives also connected him to the Christmas Day stabbing of another homeless man who survived the attack. During a search of Hristov’s home, officers reportedly found a backpack containing the victim’s missing toe along with blood evidence linked to the crime scene.
According to investigators, Hristov had an obsession with serial killers, a history of animal torture, admiration for mass shooters, and had allegedly spoken about wanting to “hunt” homeless people.
When officers arrived at his home, police say Hristov opened fire from inside the residence before calling dispatch himself, stating he was armed and wanted officers to kill him.
After a 20-minute standoff, Hristov reportedly exited the home wearing a ballistic vest and helmet while still armed. Officers ordered him to drop his weapon, but when he refused, at least one officer opened fire, killing him at the scene.
The case has left many in Louisville horrified over the violence and the disturbing details uncovered during the investigation.
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