Police investigating possible serial killer after 5 deaths linked to popular trail
Dr. David Hayes, a criminologist, said cases involving unhoused victims can be especially difficult to investigate. Unlike people with stable housing, they may leave few physical or digital “footprints,” such as cell phone records or predictable daily routines, making it harder for investigators to identify links between cases. If the deaths are connected, Hayes said, they would represent a tragic example of a killer targeting highly vulnerable people. (WJBK)
Growing safety concerns are emerging around a popular river trail near Michigan State University after five deaths raised the possibility that a serial killer could be targeting people in the area.
The Lansing Police Department said it is investigating five deaths associated with the Lansing River Trail during the past year. Police said a suspect may have been targeting and attacking people at night.
Michigan State University’s Department of Police and Public Safety has responded by urging students to stay alert when traveling outside after dark.
The Lansing River Trail near the location where Louis Woodruff was critically injured and later died in the 300 block of East Oakland Avenue on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, in Lansing. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
In a statement provided to News Media, a spokesperson for the Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety said:
“The MSU portion of the River Trail has upgraded security measures to include additional LED lighting and Green Light emergency phones with public safety cameras, and it is routinely patrolled by MSU Police Officers on bike patrols. We encourage students using the trail to remain aware of their surroundings and take reasonable precautions to help ensure their safety, especially at night.”
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)
The youngest of the five victims was 22-year-old Daniel Lusk, who was found fatally stabbed beneath the East Michigan Avenue bridge on Aug. 20.
The stabbing took place less than a mile from the Michigan State campus.
Students travel along the Red Cedar River on the campus of Michigan State University. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Lansing police are investigating five deaths along the Lansing River Trail. (Google Maps)
Police arrested 23-year-old Edward Joseph Smith on Sept. 3 in connection with Lusk’s stabbing.
Smith has not been accused of involvement in any of the other four deaths or charged with any related crime.
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said in a statement provided to News Media:
“The Lansing River Trail and our downtown remain safe for residents and visitors. LPD has significantly increased their presence downtown and on the river trail at all hours of the day and night.”
Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus discusses the recent deaths along the Lansing River Trail during a press conference on Friday, Oct. 2, 2026, at police headquarters in downtown Lansing. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
The Lansing Police Department said all five victims appear to have been unhoused White men.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.