Police in Lansing, Michigan, are investigating whether five deaths along the Lansing River Trail are connected. The deaths occurred between October 2025 and September 2026 near a trail corridor leading toward Michigan State University. Four cases involved blunt force trauma to the facial area, while another involved a fatal stabbing. Authorities have not confirmed that a serial killer is responsible, and a person arrested in the stabbing has not been charged in the other cases.
Several victims may have been attacked overnight while sleeping or spending time along the trail. Reports indicate that the victims appeared to be homeless White men. Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus said investigators are examining each case independently while assessing possible links.
| 1) | Police assess possible connections among five deaths |
| 2) | Victims were found along the Lansing River Trail |
| 3) | Timeline shows five deaths across nearly a year |
| 4) | Arrest in stabbing remains separate from other cases |
| 5) | Investigators seek information while cases remain active |
Police assess possible connections among five deaths
Lansing police are examining the location, timing and apparent injuries in all five cases. Chief Rob Backus said the department is investigating the possibility of a serial killer but stressed that the question remains unresolved. Four victims suffered blunt force trauma to the facial area, and no weapon has been recovered in those cases.
Victims were found along the Lansing River Trail
The Lansing River Trail runs through the city toward Michigan State University. Victims were found at several points along the route, including beneath bridges and near nearby streets. Police said the incidents may have occurred overnight, although the circumstances and causes of death are not identical in every case. Two deaths had undetermined causes pending or following medical review.
Timeline shows five deaths across nearly a year
On October 14, 2025, 54-year-old Gino Chouinard was found unconscious along the trail. He died October 27, and his cause of death remains undetermined. On July 9, 2026, 70-year-old Denis Dunnebacke was found unresponsive beneath the Kalamazoo Street bridge. He died July 16, with his cause of death also listed as undetermined.
On July 13, 57-year-old Robert Smith was found with severe head trauma and died four days later. A medical examiner ruled the death a blunt force homicide. On August 20, 22-year-old Daniel Lusk was found fatally stabbed beneath the East Michigan Avenue bridge. On August 30, 57-year-old Louis Woodruff was found beneath the East Cesar Chavez Avenue bridge with severe facial trauma. He died September 1, and police classified his death as a blunt force homicide.
Arrest in stabbing remains separate from other cases
Police arrested 23-year-old Edward Joseph Smith on September 3 in connection with Daniel Lusk’s stabbing. Authorities have not identified Smith as a suspect in the other four deaths or charged him in those cases. The arrest addresses the stabbing investigation but does not resolve whether the broader series is connected.
Chief Rob Backus said investigators are considering whether the person in custody could be linked to all five deaths, but he did not confirm that possibility. Police continue to examine physical evidence, medical findings and the circumstances surrounding each victim.
Investigators seek information while cases remain active
Authorities are asking the public to report information about activity on the trail, particularly overnight encounters near bridges and other discovery locations. Police have not announced a recovered weapon in the blunt force cases or a confirmed motive. Until additional evidence establishes a connection, each death remains an active investigation.
| No. | Key Point |
|---|---|
| 1 | Five deaths occurred along or near the Lansing River Trail between October 2025 and September 2026. |
| 2 | Four cases involved blunt force trauma to the facial area. |
| 3 | One victim was fatally stabbed, and a 23-year-old man was arrested in that case. |
| 4 | Police have not confirmed that one offender caused all five deaths. |
| 5 | All five investigations remain active, and no weapon has been recovered in the blunt force cases. |
Summary
Lansing police are examining whether five deaths along the Lansing River Trail are related. The cases include two deaths with undetermined causes, two blunt force homicides and one fatal stabbing. An arrest has been made in the stabbing, but authorities have not connected that suspect to the other deaths. Investigators have not confirmed a serial killer or a single offender.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many deaths are being investigated?
Police are investigating five deaths along or near the Lansing River Trail between October 2025 and September 2026.
What similarities have police identified?
Four cases involved blunt force trauma to the facial area. Police also said the victims may have been attacked overnight and were found along the same trail corridor.
Has police identified a serial killer?
No. Police are investigating whether the deaths are connected but have not confirmed that a serial killer is responsible.
Has anyone been arrested?
Police arrested 23-year-old Edward Joseph Smith on September 3 in connection with the fatal stabbing of Daniel Lusk. He has not been named a suspect or charged in the other four cases.
