The Lansing River Trail in Michigan’s capital has become the site of five suspicious deaths among homeless men in less than a year. Four suffered head injuries, one was stabbed, and all were found lying down, possibly sleeping, along a one-mile stretch near downtown. Police have charged Edward Joseph Smith, 23, with murder in the stabbing death of Daniel Lusk, 22, but the other four cases remain under investigation.
Police Chief Robert Backus raised the possibility of a serial killer during a news conference, asking, “Do we have a serial killer in Lansing?” The deaths have frightened residents, prompted nighttime patrols, and renewed criticism of the city’s handling of homeless encampments and public safety. Community members say they now avoid the trail after dark. The trail winds under dark, isolated bridges popular with homeless encampments, while nearby areas include public squares, playgrounds, and apartment buildings.
A 2023 study estimated Lansing’s homeless population at 2,371 in a city of over 113,000. The first death occurred on Oct. 14, 2025, when Gino Chouinard, 54, was found unconscious; his cause of death was initially undetermined but is now under review. Subsequent deaths included Denis Dunnebacke, 70; Robert Smith, 57; Daniel Lusk, 22; and Louis Woodruff, 57, with the latter two ruled homicides.
Officials are considering better lighting, permanent surveillance, and temporary cameras to improve safety.
Source: New York Times Top Stories · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing