Michigan Police Probe Possible Serial Killer in 5 Trail Deaths

Authorities in Lansing, Michigan, are examining whether five deaths reported over the past year could be connected, raising concerns about a possible serial killer.

The Lansing Police Department said during a news conference that investigators have identified troubling similarities among the cases, FOX 2 reported.

The victims were found along the Lansing River Trail, a route that extends into Michigan State University’s campus.

“One question that we’re being asked is, do we have a serial killer in Lansing?” Police Chief Rob Backus said Friday. “What we need the public to know is we are investigating all of these cases. They are all active investigations, and we are looking at the idea or the possibility that these may be related cases,” according to FOX 2.

Investigators said the victims in all five cases may have been attacked during overnight hours.

Backus said four of the five incidents involved “blunt force trauma to the facial area.” Investigators have not recovered a weapon.

Backus said detectives are investigating whether one person may be responsible for all five deaths, including the suspect currently in custody. However, he stressed that investigators have not determined whether that person is connected to the other killings.

Smith has not been identified as a suspect and has not been charged in the other four cases.

According to reports, all five victims appear to have been homeless White men who may have been sleeping when they were attacked.

Police continue to investigate each death.