Additional Coverage:
- Michigan police probe possible serial killer after 5 men suffer fatal injuries along popular trail (foxnews.com)
Michigan authorities are investigating a series of five deaths along the Lansing River Trail that may be connected, Lansing Police announced during a recent press conference.
Over the past year, five men were found deceased or critically injured in locations along the trail, which runs adjacent to Michigan State University’s campus. The victims share troubling similarities, prompting police to consider the possibility of a serial offender.
Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus addressed public concerns on Friday, stating, “We are actively investigating all of these cases and exploring whether they are related. The question of a serial killer is under consideration, but the investigations remain ongoing.”
Four of the five victims suffered blunt force trauma to the face, although no weapon has yet been recovered. Authorities believe the attacks occurred overnight. All victims were homeless White males who may have been sleeping at the time of the assaults.
A timeline of the cases includes:
- October 14, 2025: Gino Chouinard, 54, found unconscious on the trail; died on October 27, cause undetermined.
- July 9, 2026: Denis Dunnebacke, 70, found unresponsive under the Kalamazoo Street bridge; died July 16, cause undetermined.
- July 13, 2026: Robert Smith, 57, discovered with severe head trauma; died July 17, ruled blunt force homicide.
- August 20, 2026: Daniel Lusk, 22, fatally stabbed under the East Michigan Avenue bridge; a suspect, Edward Joseph Smith, 23, was arrested in connection with this case.
- August 30, 2026: Louis Woodruff, 57, found with severe facial injuries under the East Cesar Chavez Avenue bridge; died September 1, ruled blunt force homicide.
While Edward Joseph Smith is charged in the stabbing death of Daniel Lusk, he has not been implicated in the other four cases.
Police urge anyone with information to come forward as investigations continue. Chief Backus emphasized the importance of community assistance in solving these cases and ensuring public safety along the trail.
The Lansing Police Department remains committed to uncovering the truth behind these tragedies and providing answers to the affected families.