Police investigating possible serial killer after 5 deaths linked to popular trail
Dr. David Hayes, a criminologist, noted that investigating these crimes is incredibly difficult. Because unhoused individuals often lack the physical and digital “footprints” (like cell phone data or consistent daily routines) that housed people have, finding the “connective tissue” between the cases is much harder. He emphasized that if the cases are connected, it is a tragic instance of a killer preying on highly vulnerable people. (WJBK)
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A potential “serial killer” may be stalking a popular river trail near Michigan State University, where five deaths have fueled growing safety concerns.
The Lansing Police Department announced it is investigating five deaths linked to the Lansing River Trail over the last year where a suspect may have been targeting and attacking people at night, police said.
Now, the university’s Department of Police and Public Safety announced it is reminding students to be vigilant when going out at night.
The Lansing River Trail near to 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)
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In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for the Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety said in part:
“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.”
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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)
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Of the five deaths, the youngest victim was Daniel Lusk, 22, who was found fatally stabbed under the East Michigan Avenue bridge on Aug. 20.
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The stabbing occurred less than a mile from campus.
Students commute along the Red Cedar River on the campus of Michigan State University. (USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
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Lansing Police say they are investigating five deaths along the Lansing River Trail. (Google Maps)
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Police arrested suspect Edward Joseph Smith, 23, on Sept. 3, in connection to that stabbing.
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Smith has not been accused of any crime or involvement in the other four deaths.
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In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said in part:
“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.”
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Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus speaks about the string of 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)
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The Lansing Police department said all of victims appear to be homeless White men.
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The investigation is active and ongoing.