Police in Lansing, Michigan, are investigating a possible serial killer after five recent deaths along the Lansing River Trail. Police Chief Robert Backus told reporters on October 2 that all five cases are active investigations and that authorities are looking for connections. He said investigators are searching for information, trends and patterns and that they have identified some commonalities.
The victims were all experiencing homelessness and were found in dark, early‑morning hours. Backus said the deceased were likely lying or sleeping when the attacks occurred, based on the circumstances and surroundings. Their ages ranged from 22 to 70. One case involved a stabbing, while the other four appear to have involved blunt‑force trauma, especially to the facial area, though no weapon has been identified.
The first incident was on October 14, 2025, when officers found 54‑year‑old Gino Chouinard with facial injuries; he died on October 27 and the medical examiner could not determine a cause of death. On July 13, 2026, 57‑year‑old Robert Smith was found bleeding from his head near the trail and died on July 17; the cause of death was ruled homicide. On July 29, 2026, 70‑year‑old Denis Dunnebacke was found unresponsive and died on July 16, with no cause determined. On August 20, 2026, 22‑year‑old Daniel Lusk was stabbed to death; police have a suspect, Edward Joseph Smith, who was arrested and arraigned on September 3. On August 30, 2026, 57‑year‑old Louis Woodruff was found with facial injuries under a bridge and died on September 1, also ruled homicide.
Backus said a suspect is in custody for one incident and asked whether that suspect could be linked to the others. He cautioned that answering that question is difficult and that investigators must remain cautious.
