Lansing Police Investigate Possible Serial Killer After 5 Men Attacked

Lansing, Michigan – Police in Lansing are investigating the unsettling possibility that five recent attacks, all occurring along the Lansing River Trail, may be connected and perpetrated by a single assailant, leading to concerns of a serial killer in the community.

Criminology professor Karen Holt of Michigan State University advised caution and rationality for students and residents. "As someone who studies violence, the first thing that came to mind was the victims and the vulnerability of these victims and the method of the violence," Holt told Fox News Digital. She noted that offenders often target vulnerable individuals, potentially believing this decreases their likelihood of being caught.

Over the past year, five men have been attacked along the popular trail. One victim was found stabbed to death under a bridge.

Timeline of Attacks

• October 14, 2025: Gino Chouinard, 54, was found unconscious along the trail. He died on October 27, 2025, with the cause of death remaining undetermined.
• July 9, 2026: Denis Dunnebacke, 70, was discovered unresponsive under the Kalamazoo Street bridge. He died on July 16, 2026, with his cause of death undetermined.
• July 13, 2026: Robert Smith, 57, was found suffering from severe head trauma and died on July 17, 2026. The medical examiner ruled his death a blunt force homicide.
• August 20, 2026: Daniel Lusk, 22, was found fatally stabbed under the East Michigan Avenue bridge. Police arrested Edward Joseph Smith, 23, on September 3 in connection to this stabbing.
• August 30, 2026: Louis Woodruff, 57, was found under the East Cesar Chavez Avenue bridge with severe facial trauma. He died on September 1, 2026, and his death was ruled a blunt force homicide.

Edward Joseph Smith has not been linked to the other four incidents. Holt pointed out that Lusk's stabbing death differs from the other cases, where victims sustained head injuries or blunt force trauma, suggesting it "stands out."

While police have not confirmed an arrest in relation to a possible serial killer, they have made an arrest in the stabbing death of Daniel Lusk. "I would love to learn more about the relationship between that victim and perpetrator," Holt said regarding Lusk's case, for which police have not yet announced a motive.

Holt advised vigilance, stating, "Don’t walk the trail would be my advice. Maybe walk a different trail."