Concerns about a possible serial killer have left Lansing, Michigan, a Big Ten college town, on edge.
Earlier this month, the Lansing Police Department said it was examining whether five recent deaths could be connected to an attacker believed to be targeting people along the Lansing River Trail.
“I definitely think we need to be cautious, but we also need to be rational,” Karen Holt, a criminology professor at Michigan State University, told News Media.
The Lansing River Trail near the location where Louis Woodruff was critically injured before dying in the 300 block of East Oakland Avenue on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, in Lansing. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Police said five men were attacked along the popular trail over the past year. One of them was found stabbed to death beneath a bridge.
“As someone who studies violence, the first thing that came to mind was the victims, their vulnerability and the method of the violence,” Holt said.
The Lansing River Trail near the 200 block of East Cesar Chavez Avenue on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, in Lansing. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Police said all five victims were homeless.
“If we have a community where people can be attacked in this way, then I don’t necessarily know that we can call it a safe community,” Holt said.
Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus discusses the string of recent deaths along the Lansing River Trail during a press conference Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at police headquarters in downtown Lansing. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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She said a common pattern among single or serial homicide offenders, as well as other violent offenders, is targeting people who are especially vulnerable.
Holt said homicide offenders may view homeless victims as people who “lack credibility” and may believe that targeting them “decreases the likelihood that they’re going to be caught.”
Police in Lansing, Michigan, are investigating whether a possible serial killer may be linked to five deaths along the Lansing River Trail. (FOX2 Detroit)
Edward Joseph Smith, 23, was arrested Sept. 3 in connection with the fatal stabbing of Daniel Lusk, 22.
“I would love to learn more about the relationship between that victim and perpetrator,” Holt said. Police have not announced a motive in Lusk’s killing.
Smith has not been accused of any crime or wrongdoing in the other four deaths.
Lansing police are investigating a possible serial killer. (USA Today Network via Reuters Connect)
Holt said Lusk’s killing “stands out” from the other alleged attacks because he was stabbed, while the other four victims suffered head injuries or possible blunt-force trauma.
Police have not confirmed an arrest in connection with the suspected serial killings.
Holt maintains Lansing needs to remain vigilant.
“Don’t walk the trail would be my advice. Maybe walk a different trail.”