Lansing police investigate potential link between five trail deaths

Lansing authorities are investigating whether five deaths occurring along the Lansing River Trail over the past year are connected. The victims, all of whom were unhoused, appeared to have been attacked while sleeping or lying down.

Two of the incidents have been classified as homicides. A 23-year-old man, Edward Smith, has been charged with murder in connection with a fatal stabbing that occurred on August 20. Other victims include Gino Chouinard, 54; Denis Dunnebacke, 70; Robert Smith, 57; Daniel Lusk, 22; and Louis Woodruffj, 57.

Lansing Police Chief Rob Backus confirmed that all cases remain active investigations as officials work to determine if there is a common link between the incidents. While the public has raised concerns regarding a potential serial killer, police have not yet confirmed a connection between the charged suspect and the other deaths.