Authorities in Michigan are currently investigating a series of five murders, which they believe may be interconnected. These tragic incidents have taken place along the Lansing River Trail, with a marked escalation in violence observed in recent months. Lansing Police Chief Robert Backus shared this information during a press conference on Friday, October 2.
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The timeline of the murders shows a concerning pattern. The first incident occurred in October 2025, followed by a period of dormancy until four additional victims were discovered between July and August of this year. Chief Backus indicated that all five victims were white males, aged between 22 and 70, and it is believed that they were homeless at the time of their deaths. Police suspect that the attacks were carried out during the early morning hours.
According to Chief Backus, the examination of the victims’ bodies revealed that four of them suffered from blunt force trauma to the facial area. Despite this, investigators have not yet identified the weapon used in these violent acts. “We look for information. We look for trends. We look for patterns. And we have developed some,” Backus stated, alluding to the ongoing analysis of these incidents.
In a notable development within this investigation, a suspect has been arrested in connection with one of the murders. Twenty-two-year-old Daniel Lusk was found dead from a stab wound on August 20, and 30-year-old Edward Joseph Smith has since been charged with open murder related to Lusk’s death. This case stands out, as Lusk is the only victim who suffered a stab wound, in contrast to the other victims who succumbed to injuries consistent with blunt force trauma.
One of the earlier victims, Gino Chouinard, aged 54, was attacked in October 2025 but died days later. The medical examiner was unable to determine the exact cause of death, adding a layer of complexity to the investigation. Furthermore, on July 9, 70-year-old Denis Dunnebacke was discovered under a bridge with serious facial injuries and signs of having been unwell. Initially, medical personnel believed his condition might be “medical in nature,” but this turned out to be misleading.
Shortly thereafter, on July 13, Robert Smith, 57, was found with severe head injuries. He ultimately died in the hospital, with authorities ruling his death a homicide. The final victim identified in this series of killings, Louis Woodruff, 57, was discovered on August 30, also with facial injuries. His death, like Smith’s, has been classified as a homicide by investigators.
While the arrest of Edward Joseph Smith in relation to Lusk’s death has brought some solace, police have not yet established whether he is connected to the other four killings. Chief Backus acknowledged the concerns raised by the public regarding potential patterns in these crimes. “I’ve mentioned that we have a suspect in custody for one of these incidents. And so, the question that’s been posed to us is, is this a suspect for all the incidents?” he elaborated.
The investigation is ongoing, with law enforcement working diligently to uncover any links between the cases and to determine if more individuals might be involved in these heinous acts. As they pursue answers, the local community remains on alert, grappling with the unsettling reality of violence striking a previously peaceful area.
This worrying trend of violence against vulnerable individuals is a stark reminder of broader societal issues, including homelessness and mental health. With the authorities engaged in thorough investigations, there is hope that justice will not only be served for the victims but also for the larger community affected by these tragic events. As the police continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses, further developments in this case are anticipated in the coming weeks.