Michigan cops fear ‘pattern’ in 5 homeless killings: ‘Do we have a serial killer in Lansing?’

Lansing Police Chief Robert Backus has announced an investigation into five deaths along a 1.5-mile stretch of the Lansing River Trail occurring between October 2025 and September 2026. All five victims were men believed to be experiencing homelessness. Three of the deaths have been ruled homicides, while two remain undetermined. While one suspect, Edward Smith, has been charged in the stabbing death of Daniel Lusk, police are investigating a possible pattern involving the other four victims, who suffered blunt force trauma to the face. The police have increased patrols and surveillance in the area due to a lack of witnesses and cameras.

Lansing Police Chief Robert Backus has announced an investigation into five deaths along a 1.5-mile stretch of the Lansing River Trail occurring between October 2025 and September 2026. All five victims were men believed to be experiencing homelessness. Three of the deaths have been ruled homicides, while two remain undetermined. While one suspect, Edward Smith, has been charged in the stabbing death of Daniel Lusk, police are investigating a possible pattern involving the other four victims, who suffered blunt force trauma to the face. The police have increased patrols and surveillance in the area due to a lack of witnesses and cameras.