For most people, Christmas Eve means celebration, family, and safety. But for 25-year-old Kevin Bacon of Michigan, December 24, 2019, marked his final night alive. Seeking companionship, Kevin met a man through Grindr—a decision that would lead him into the hands of a killer now known as the Grindr Cannibal Killer.
What followed was a story so gruesome, so psychologically disturbing, it horrified even seasoned law enforcement. And yet, signs of danger existed long before that fatal night.
A Holiday Hookup Turns Fatal
On Christmas Eve, Kevin Bacon matched with Mark Latunski, a 50-year-old chemist from Bennington Township. Expecting a casual encounter, Bacon left his house around 5:20 p.m. and texted his roommate that he might be out late.
He was never seen alive again.
The next day, when Kevin failed to appear at family festivities, his loved ones grew alarmed. By December 27, police had traced his last known location to Latunski’s remote farmhouse.
Inside, they found a scene of horror.
The Discovery: Inside a House of Horror
Officers entered the home and were immediately confronted with a disturbing sight: Kevin’s body hanging upside down from the ceiling, mutilated beyond recognition.
Without hesitation, Mark Latunski confessed. He admitted to stabbing Kevin to death, castrating him, and eating parts of his remains.
That confession turned a tragic murder into one of the most shocking cases of cannibalism in modern American history.
Who Was the Grindr Cannibal Killer, Mark Latunski?
On the surface, Latunski appeared educated and accomplished. A chemist by trade, he once held a high-paying job and lived what seemed like a stable family life.
Beneath that facade, however, lurked serious mental illness. Diagnosed multiple times with schizoaffective disorder, borderline traits, and major depression with psychotic features, Latunski had long battled demons—ones that grew deadlier over time.
His ex-wife revealed his obsession with torture films and disturbing behaviors when unmedicated. Despite his documented instability, no one intervened in time.
Kevin Bacon Wasn’t the First Victim
Kevin’s murder wasn’t Latunski’s first act of violence.
- October 2019: James Carlsen, 48, escaped Latunski’s basement after being chained up during what he thought was a consensual BDSM session. He fled using a butcher knife and called 911.
- November 2019: Another man showed up bleeding on a neighbor’s porch, screaming that Latunski wanted to harm him. Again, no arrest followed—even after Michigan State Police became involved.
Had those earlier warnings been taken seriously, Kevin might still be alive.
The Trial: Insanity Plea Denied
After his arrest, Latunski faced charges of open murder and mutilation of a body. He initially pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity, claiming he was a member of royalty and had noble blood.
Despite his bizarre claims and psychiatric history, the court found him competent to stand trial.
In 2022, Latunski pleaded guilty and received life in prison without parole.
The Mind of a Cannibal: What Drives Such Horror?
Cannibalistic killers occupy a rare and terrifying niche in criminal psychology. According to psychiatric nurse practitioner Victor Petreca, their actions are not usually spontaneous. Rather, they stem from a mix of fantasy, control, and methodical planning.
“It’s more psychologically or psychosexually driven,” Petreca explained. “It can function like foreplay for them. It’s more organized, not impulsive.”
In Latunski’s case, the ritualistic nature of the killing suggests a deep psychological compulsion—a desire not just to kill, but to possess and consume.
A Public Defender Haunted by the Case
Even professionals accustomed to the darkest corners of the legal world found this case disturbing.
Doug Corwin, Latunski’s public defender, later admitted that the experience shook him to his core. He described the trial as “the most shocking case” of his entire career and said it pushed him to run for a judgeship in 2024.
Although he lost the election, the case clearly left a permanent mark.
Could Kevin Bacon’s Death Have Been Prevented?
It’s the question that haunts everyone who hears this story.
There were red flags. Documented escapes. Emergency 911 calls. A history of mental illness and violence. And yet, Latunski remained free to kill.
Kevin’s family and friends still mourn a son, a brother, and a beloved friend. His death could—and should—have been prevented.
FAQs: The Grindr Cannibal Killer Case
Who was Kevin Bacon?
Kevin was a 25-year-old hairstylist and student from Swartz Creek, Michigan, known for his creativity and kind nature.
Who was the Grindr Cannibal Killer?
Mark Latunski, a 50-year-old chemist with a history of mental illness, was convicted of Kevin’s murder and acts of cannibalism.
Was this a one-time killing?
Latunski had attacked at least two other men before killing Kevin. Both men escaped, but no arrests followed at the time.
What did Latunski claim during the trial?
He claimed to be a royal figure and tried to use an insanity plea. However, the court deemed him fit for trial.
What sentence did he receive?
Latunski was sentenced to life in prison without parole in 2022.
Could the murder have been prevented?
Yes. Prior attacks and his psychiatric history indicated serious risks that authorities did not act on.