Man, 19, Was Killed After McDonald’s Shift in 2009. A Tip About a Buried Shotgun Finally Solved His Murder

Seventeen years after the tragic murder of Edric Hinton in Lansing, Michigan, answers have finally emerged regarding his untimely death. The 19-year-old was shot while visiting friends shortly after completing a shift at McDonald’s on 1 August 2009. With the revelation of new information, investigators have been able to connect two deceased individuals to the case, bringing a sense of closure to Hinton’s family.

According to reports, the fatal shooting occurred at an apartment complex on the 900 block of West Cavanaugh Road. Witnesses stated that a shotgun was fired through the window from outside, hitting Hinton as he stood with friends. He was discovered by responding officers and, tragically, succumbed to his injuries less than half an hour later at the hospital.

Initially, the investigation yielded a number of leads and potential suspects, but over time these avenues proved fruitless. Lansing Police Chief Robert Backus indicated that the case went cold, leaving Hinton’s family with unanswered questions and pain for many years.

However, in a twist of fate, Detective Shannon Thielen revisited the case in 2019, developing a rapport with a confidential informant who had ties to individuals involved in the murder. This relationship would prove crucial, as the informant eventually disclosed the location of a 12-gauge shotgun believed to be used in the crime.

In the autumn of 2025, investigators located the buried weapon, which was subsequently tested by the Michigan State Police Crime Lab. The results confirmed a match between shell casings from the crime scene and the shotgun, leading to the identification of Esteban Reyes Jr. as the suspected shooter and Lee Anthony Lynn as the alleged accomplice who drove the getaway vehicle. Sadly, both men are now deceased, and Chief Backus expressed the sorrow that there will be no opportunity for a court trial to provide the family with the justice they sought.

In the presence of Hinton’s family, Detective Thielen voiced his intention to ensure that Edric’s story was not forgotten. Hinton’s twin brother, Eric, took centre stage during a press conference addressing the media, revealing the years of persistent effort he dedicated to keeping his brother’s legacy alive, meeting with numerous detectives and police chiefs over the years.

“It’s been a hard 17 years,” Eric remarked, admitting that while the developments do not represent the outcome they had hoped for, they offer the best resolution possible. Their father, Ulysses Hinton, fondly remembered Edric as a caring individual who relished his job at McDonald’s and was a passionate supporter of the Tennessee Titans. Edric had also enrolled at Lansing Community College, pursued his studies, and looked forward to the future.

Eric shared the emotional burden he has carried, reflecting on the milestones he and Edric would have celebrated together. “I’m a big planner,” he said, “I often wondered what turning 21 would be like for us and what our lives would look like at 30 and 40.” With his own 40th birthday approaching, Eric plans to organise a celebration that honours his brother’s memory, incorporating elements that he imagines Edric would have loved.

The Hinton family’s journey through grief has been long, punctuated by the ongoing investigation that has only recently gained new traction. The recent developments mark a bittersweet chapter in their quest for closure. While justice may never be fully served with the passing of the alleged perpetrators, the Hinton family can take solace in knowing that their brother’s story is now woven into the fabric of their community’s history.