Story perspectives

Lansing police consider serial killer in five homeless deaths

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 5:33 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Lansing Serial Killer

Lansing Police Chief Robert Backus said investigators are considering a possible serial killer.
The killer is suspected in five homeless deaths along a mile of Lansing River Trail.
Four victims suffered severe head or facial injuries, indicating overnight attacks while asleep.
A suspect has been charged with the murder of 22-year-old Daniel Lusk, who was stabbed.
Police ask the public to call the tip line at 517-483-6023 with any information.

Summary

Police Install Cameras

Police installed portable camera trailers on the trail and are evaluating costs for permanent surveillance.
Criminologist Dr. David Hayes says homeless victims lack digital footprints, hindering case connections.
Mayor Andy Schor states the investigation remains active but will not release further details.
Some residents fear increased patrols and cameras may infringe privacy rights along the river corridor.

History

Historical Context

The “Grim Sleeper” case, in which LAPD linked Lonnie David Franklin Jr. to ten murders spanning 1984-2007 after a 2007 DNA task force and a 2010 familial-DNA arrest, reshaped Los Angeles policing. That precedent intensified scrutiny of police investigative tools and now prompts Lansing officials, including Mayor Andy Schor and Dr. David Hayes, to debate ongoing public trail-side surveillance.

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Lansing Serial Killer

Lansing Police Chief Robert Backus said investigators are considering a possible serial killer.
The killer is suspected in five homeless deaths along a mile of Lansing River Trail.
Four victims suffered severe head or facial injuries, indicating overnight attacks while asleep.
A suspect has been charged with the murder of 22-year-old Daniel Lusk, who was stabbed.
Police ask the public to call the tip line at 517-483-6023 with any information.

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