Full Breakdown
Possible Serial Killer Under Investigation in Lansing River Trail Deaths
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Facts of the Investigation
Lansing Police Department detectives are examining five violent deaths of unhoused white men that occurred along a one-mile stretch of the Lansing River Trail between October 14 2025 and August 30 2026. Victims ranged in age from 22 to 70. Four incidents involved blunt-force facial injuries; one involved a fatal stabbing. Police have not confirmed a serial killer. All cases remain active investigations.
Timeline of the Five Deaths
- October 14 2025 – Gino Chouinard, 54, found with facial injuries; died October 27 (cause undetermined).
- July 9 2026 – Denis Dunnebacke, 70, found unresponsive under the Kalamazoo Street bridge; died July 16 (cause pending).
- July 13 2026 – Robert Smith, 57, found bleeding from the head; died July 17 (homicide).
- August 20 2026 – Daniel Lusk, 22, found stabbed to death; suspect Edward Joseph Smith arrested September 3 on an open-murder charge.
- August 30 2026 – Louis Woodruff, 57, found with facial injuries; died September 1 (homicide).
Data & Statistics
- Victims: Five white men, all experiencing homelessness.
- Ages: 22, 54, 57 (two victims), 70.
- Injury Types: Four blunt-force trauma cases; one stabbing.
- Geography: All incidents occurred within a one-mile segment of the River Trail, typically overnight or early morning.
Official Statements & Responses
Backus emphasized the department’s focus on “information, trends, and patterns” and warned against “inappropriate charges, misidentification.” The department has launched a tip line (517-483-6023), increased patrols, deployed portable camera trailers, and is exploring permanent surveillance. Outreach teams are working with local service organizations to move unhoused individuals to safer locations during overnight hours.
Verbatim Quotes
- “One question that we are being asked is 'Do we have a serial killer in Lansing?'” — Robert Backus
- “We look for information. We look for trends. We look for patterns. And we have developed some.” — Robert Backus
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cause of Death: Gino Chouinard’s death is listed as “undetermined,” while Denis Dunnebacke’s cause remains pending. Robert Smith and Louis Woodruff have been ruled homicides, and Daniel Lusk’s death is linked to a suspect.
- Date Discrepancy: Some outlets reported Denis Dunnebacke was found on July 9, while others cited July 29; the exact discovery date remains unclear.
Community Perspectives
Kelsea Hector, executive director of Punks with Lunch, expressed anxiety, noting “we just have a lot of anxiety around, could one of our people be next?” and called for greater safety measures for unhoused residents.
What’s Next
Police will continue to monitor the tip line, expand camera coverage, and maintain heightened patrols. The department plans to work with advocacy groups to provide shelter options and keep the public informed as additional forensic results become available.