Michigan Police Investigate Possible Serial Killer After 5 Homeless Men Found Dead
Lansing police investigate possible serial killer after 5 homeless men found dead on a trail.
2 min read
Law enforcement in Lansing, Michigan, is investigating the possibility of a serial killer after five homeless men were found dead on the Lansing River Trail within a year. The victims, ranging in age from 22 to 70, were discovered with causes of death including blunt force trauma and stabbing. The timeline of the killings spans from October 2025 to August 2026.
Authorities Seek Clues Amid Concerns
Police Chief Robert Backus acknowledged the possibility that the cases may be related, but emphasized the need to treat each case separately. ‘We are looking at the idea — or the possibility — that these may be related cases… But we cannot move forward in an investigation thinking that these are all the same person,’ he stated.
Experts Highlight Vulnerability of Victims
Karen Holt, a criminology professor at Michigan State University, noted that the victims’ vulnerability may have made them targets. ‘One of the patterns with either single or serial homicide offenders or just violent offenders is that they tend to go after individuals who are particularly vulnerable,’ she explained.
Arrests and Uncertainty Remain
Edward Joseph Smith, 23, was arrested in connection with the stabbing of Daniel Lusk, 22. However, no motive was released, and it remains unclear if he is responsible for any of the other killings. Lusk’s father, Dean, expressed frustration over the lack of police action despite prior incidents along the trail.
Community Voices and Safety Measures
Derick Byrd, 56, who knew some of the victims, described the fear felt by homeless individuals. ‘It’s scary knowing that even if you’re homeless, you can’t even lay out here and go to sleep without somebody beating you,’ he said.
Investigation Continues Amid Delays
Backus cited a lack of witnesses, limited surveillance footage, and inconclusive medical examiner reports as reasons for the case delays. Temporary cameras have been installed along the trail, and the city is considering better lighting to enhance safety, particularly during overnight hours.
Source: The Gateway Pundit
