Full Breakdown
Series of Deaths on Lansing River Trail Raises Serial-Killer Concerns
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Between October 14 2025 and September 1 2026, five men experiencing homelessness were found dead or critically injured along a one-mile stretch of the Lansing River Trail. Four victims suffered head or facial injuries; 22-year-old Daniel Lusk was stabbed. Police have charged 23-year-old Edward Joseph Smith with open murder in Lusk’s case, but no suspect has been linked to the other deaths. The cluster has prompted public alarm and intensified patrols.
Background & Context
The River Trail connects downtown Lansing with parks and the Michigan State University campus. Homeless individuals often sleep in sheltered areas, a circumstance investigators say may increase vulnerability to nighttime violence. Community leaders have called for improved shelter options and safety measures.
Timeline
- Oct 14 2025 – 54-year-old Gino Chouinard discovered with facial injuries near Center and Monroe.
- Jul 9 2026 – 70-year-old Denis Dunnebacke found unresponsive beneath the Kalamazoo Street bridge.
- Jul 13 2026 – 57-year-old Robert William Smith discovered bleeding from his head near Center and Monroe.
- Jul 17 2026 – Smith’s death classified as a homicide.
- Aug 20 2026 – Daniel Lusk found fatally stabbed beneath the East Michigan Avenue bridge.
- Aug 30 2026 – 57-year-old Louis Woodruff discovered with facial injuries near East Cesar Chavez Avenue.
- Sep 1 2026 – Woodruff’s death investigated as a homicide.
- Sep 3 2026 – Edward Joseph Smith arrested and charged with open murder in Lusk’s case.
- Oct 2 2026 – Police Chief Robert Backus held a news conference indicating detectives were examining possible connections.
Data & Statistics
- Five deaths in an 11-month span.
- Four sustained head or facial trauma; one was stabbed.
- One homicide charge filed (Lusk).
- No common weapon or forensic link identified publicly.
Official Statements & Responses
- Mayor Andy Schor announced increased nighttime patrols, camera trailers, and collaboration with outreach groups.
- MSU Police reported installing additional LED lighting, emergency phones, and routine bicycle patrols along the university-jurisdiction segment.
- Police opened a tip line (517-483-6023) and urged residents to report suspicious activity.
On-the-Ground Reports
Witnesses and outreach workers note many victims were likely sleeping outdoors when discovered. Limited surveillance in bridge areas and nighttime timing have hampered witness identification and evidence collection.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Cause of death: Chouinard’s death classified as “undetermined,” Dunnebacke’s listed as “critical” before he died.
- Homicide classification: Only Smith’s and Woodruff’s deaths formally investigated as homicides; other cases remain pending.
- Weapon identification: Authorities have not disclosed a common weapon; Lusk’s stabbing differs from blunt-force injuries in other cases.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Do we have a serial killer in Lansing?” — Chief Backus
What’s Next
The investigation remains open, with detectives reviewing forensic evidence, surveillance footage, and public tips. No further arrests have been announced, and authorities have not set a deadline for concluding whether the deaths constitute a serial-killer pattern.
