Possible Serial Killer? Michigan Police Identify a Disturbing Pattern Behind Five Deaths Along River Trail

A series of five deaths along a Michigan river trail has raised serious concerns among investigators, who are examining whether the cases could be connected to a single attacker.

The deaths occurred along the Lansing River Trail between October 2025 and August 2026. Police say the victims were men between the ages of 22 and 70, and investigators believe all were experiencing homelessness.

At a news conference on October 2, Lansing Police Chief Robert Backus said detectives had identified similarities among the cases. Authorities suspect the victims may have been attacked during the early morning hours, possibly while lying down or sleeping.

Four of the cases involved what police described as blunt-force trauma and serious injuries to the face. The fifth victim, 22-year-old Daniel Lusk, was found stabbed to death on August 20.

Police have arrested Edward Joseph Smith in connection with Lusk’s killing. He faces an open murder charge, but investigators have not linked him to the other four deaths.

The other victims include Gino Chouinard, 54, who died in October 2025; Denis Dunnebacke, 70, who was found unresponsive in July; Robert Smith, 57, who died after being discovered with head injuries that same month; and Louis Woodruff, 57, who was found injured in August and later died.

The circumstances surrounding some of the deaths remain unclear. Authorities said the medical examiner ruled Robert Smith’s death a homicide, while Woodruff’s death was also classified as a homicide. Chouinard’s cause of death was listed as undetermined, and no final determination had been issued in Dunnebacke’s case at the time of the police briefing.

Investigators face additional challenges because there is limited surveillance footage along parts of the trail and few witnesses may have been present during the suspected attacks.

Police have urged anyone with information about suspicious activity near the Lansing River Trail to contact investigators. Detectives are continuing to compare evidence and timelines to determine whether the deaths share a common connection.

For now, officials are being careful not to draw conclusions before the evidence supports them. Although the similarities have raised the possibility of a serial attacker, authorities have not confirmed that a serial killer is responsible.

As the investigation continues, police are asking the public to help provide the information that could explain what happened to the five men.

Source: PEOPLE

Additional sources: ABC News and CBS News Detroit