LOUISVILLE, KY — Michael Hristov, 21, was killed in an officer-involved shooting five months after allegedly dismembering an unhoused man in Louisville, authorities reported.
Murder and Investigation
On December 26, 2025, police discovered the body of Michael Howard in a homeless encampment. Howard had been killed two days earlier and found nude with satanic symbols carved into his body. His genitals and eight toes had been removed, with seven placed near the body.
Authorities linked Hristov to the crime through surveillance footage of a nonfatal stabbing on Christmas Day, DNA evidence from a backpack, and his IP address associated with a Reddit post claiming responsibility for the murder. Investigators also found an iCloud image of a severed toe.
Background on Hristov
Deputy Chief Emily McKinney said Hristov had a history of legal trouble, allegedly tortured animals, expressed fascination with serial killers, idolized mass shooters, and made statements about wanting to “hunt homeless people.”
Standoff and Officer-Involved Shooting
Hristov was indicted on May 13, 2026, for murder, abuse of a corpse, and assault. When police executed a warrant at his home on May 14, he fired at officers and later called 911, instructing dispatchers to have officers shoot him.
After a 20-minute standoff, Hristov exited his home wearing a helmet and ballistic vest and refused to drop his weapon. Officer Beau Gadegaard shot him once, killing him.
Ongoing Investigation
The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) continues to investigate whether Hristov was involved in additional attacks on unhoused individuals.
