Police investigating possible serial killer after 5 deaths linked to popular trail
Dr. David Hayes, a criminologist, said cases involving unhoused victims can be particularly challenging to investigate. Many may not leave the same physical or digital “footprints” as people with stable housing, such as cellphone records or predictable daily routines, making it more difficult to identify links among cases. If the deaths are connected, Hayes said, they would represent a tragic example of a killer targeting people who are especially vulnerable. (WJBK)
Concerns about a possible serial killer have grown around a popular river trail near Michigan State University after five deaths raised questions about nighttime safety.
The Lansing Police Department said it is investigating five deaths associated with the Lansing River Trail during the past year. Investigators are examining whether a suspect may have targeted and attacked people at night.
Michigan State University’s Department of Police and Public Safety has since urged students to stay alert when traveling outdoors after dark.
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)
In a statement provided to News Outlet, 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 happened less than a mile from the Michigan State University campus.
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Students travel along the Red Cedar River on the Michigan State University campus. (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 the four other deaths or charged with any related crime.
Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said in a statement provided to News Outlet:
“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 series of 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.
