Story perspectives

Police Arrest Man in Lusk Murder as Serial Killer Probe Grows

By Drooid · Oct 9, 2026, 4:26 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Story summary

Police arrested 23-year-old Edward Joseph Smith on Sept. 3, 2026, charging him with open murder for Lusk’s death.
Lansing Police Chief Robert Backus announced investigators are probing a possible serial killer.
Five unhoused white men, ages 22-70, were found dead along a one-mile River Trail stretch.
Four victims suffered blunt-force facial injuries, including 22-year-old Daniel Lusk who was stabbed.
Killings occurred from Oct. 14, 2025 through Sept. 1, 2026, with bodies discovered near bridges overnight.

History

Historical Context

In 1962-1964, Boston police investigated 13 women strangled in their apartments, a crime spree that terrified the city. Reporters Loretta McLaughlin and Jean Cole coined “Boston Strangler” in 1963, and Attorney General Edward W. Brooke coordinated the multi-jurisdictional response. Albert DeSalvo was arrested in 1964; DNA testing in 2013 later confirmed his link to the final victim, Mary Sullivan.

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Story summary

Police arrested 23-year-old Edward Joseph Smith on Sept. 3, 2026, charging him with open murder for Lusk’s death.
Lansing Police Chief Robert Backus announced investigators are probing a possible serial killer.
Five unhoused white men, ages 22-70, were found dead along a one-mile River Trail stretch.
Four victims suffered blunt-force facial injuries, including 22-year-old Daniel Lusk who was stabbed.
Killings occurred from Oct. 14, 2025 through Sept. 1, 2026, with bodies discovered near bridges overnight.

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