Police in Lansing, Michigan, are investigating five deaths associated with the Lansing River Trail over the past year, raising fears that a serial offender may be targeting people at night. The deaths have prompted Michigan State University to remind students to use caution and strengthen security along the portion of the trail near campus. Police have not confirmed that the cases are connected, and the investigation remains active. One man has been arrested in connection with one fatal stabbing, but authorities have not accused him of involvement in the other four deaths.
The investigation has focused attention on the trail along the Red Cedar River, a route used by students, residents and visitors in Lansing. Police said the victims appear to have been unhoused White men, a factor that may make it more difficult to identify links between the cases.
| 1) | Five deaths draw police scrutiny |
| 2) | Fatal stabbing near the university |
| 3) | Campus security measures expand |
| 4) | Questions about possible connections |
| 5) | Officials urge caution as inquiry continues |
Five deaths draw police scrutiny
The Lansing Police Department said it is examining five deaths linked to the Lansing River Trail during the last year. Investigators believe the incidents may involve attacks occurring at night, but they have not publicly established that a single person committed them. The trail runs through Lansing near Michigan State University and is used by people traveling through the city as well as by students.
Police have described the investigation as active and ongoing. The victims appear to have been unhoused White men, according to police, and that shared characteristic is one element investigators are reviewing as they determine whether the deaths have a common cause or suspect.
Fatal stabbing near the university
The youngest identified victim was Daniel Lusk, 22. He was found fatally stabbed beneath the East Michigan Avenue bridge on Aug. 20, 2026, less than a mile from the university campus. The location is near the river corridor used by students commuting along the Red Cedar River.
Police arrested Edward Joseph Smith, 23, on Sept. 3 in connection with Lusk’s stabbing. Authorities have not accused Smith of involvement in the other four deaths, and the arrest does not establish that the broader series is connected. A separate incident involving Louis Woodruff occurred near the 300 block of East Oakland Avenue, where he was critically injured and later died on Sept. 16, 2026.
Campus security measures expand
Michigan State University’s Department of Police and Public Safety has responded by increasing safeguards on the university portion of the trail. The measures include additional LED lighting, Green Light emergency phones and public safety cameras. University police also routinely patrol the area on bicycles.
The university is encouraging students who use the trail at night to remain aware of their surroundings and take reasonable precautions. The changes are intended to improve visibility, provide faster access to emergency assistance and increase the likelihood that police can observe activity along the route.
Questions about possible connections
The central question for investigators is whether the five deaths share a perpetrator, motive or pattern. Police have said the cases are linked to the same trail area and that the victims appear to share demographic characteristics, but those facts alone do not prove that the deaths were caused by one offender.
Investigating cases involving unhoused people can be particularly challenging because victims may have fewer consistent daily routines, digital records or personal contacts than people with stable housing. Those gaps can make it harder to reconstruct movements, identify witnesses and determine whether the incidents share a connection.
Officials urge caution as inquiry continues
Lansing officials said police presence has been increased downtown and along the river trail during both daytime and nighttime hours. Mayor Andy Schor said officials consider the trail and downtown safe for residents and visitors while the investigation proceeds.
“We encourage students using the trail to remain aware of their surroundings and take reasonable precautions to help ensure their safety, especially at night.”
Police have not announced a confirmed serial-killer designation, and investigators continue to examine evidence from all five deaths. Residents and students are being urged to report suspicious activity and avoid treating unconfirmed connections as established fact.
| Number | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Five deaths associated with the Lansing River Trail are under investigation. |
| 2 | Police have not confirmed that a serial killer is responsible. |
| 3 | The youngest identified victim, Daniel Lusk, was fatally stabbed near campus. |
| 4 | Michigan State added lighting, emergency phones, cameras and patrols. |
| 5 | An arrest in one stabbing has not been linked publicly to the other deaths. |
Summary
Five deaths along Lansing’s River Trail have prompted a police investigation and increased safety measures at Michigan State University. Authorities are examining whether the cases are connected, but no serial-killer determination has been made. The inquiry remains active, while officials urge students and trail users to exercise caution, particularly after dark.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the five deaths confirmed to be connected?
No. Police are investigating possible links, but they have not confirmed that one person or one motive connects all five deaths.
Who was arrested in the fatal stabbing?
Edward Joseph Smith, 23, was arrested on Sept. 3 in connection with the stabbing death of Daniel Lusk. Police have not accused him of involvement in the other four deaths.
What security changes were made near Michigan State University?
The university added LED lighting and Green Light emergency phones with public safety cameras. University police also conduct routine bicycle patrols along the campus portion of the trail.
What are officials advising trail users to do?
Officials are advising students and other users to remain aware of their surroundings, take reasonable precautions at night and report suspicious activity.
