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Lansing police investigate possible serial killer targeting homeless men
Police in Lansing, Michigan, are investigating whether a serial killer is targeting the unhoused community along the Lansing River Trail. Over the past year, five homeless men have been found dead along a one-mile stretch of the greenway.
Authorities have confirmed three homicides, while two deaths remain undetermined. Four of the victims suffered severe head or facial injuries, and one was killed by stabbing. Investigators believe the attacks likely occurred while the victims were sleeping, typically between midnight and 6 a.m.
One suspect, 23-year-old Edward Joseph Smith, has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to the stabbing death. Police Chief Robert Backus stated that the department is examining whether the cases are related, noting a potential pattern targeting unhoused individuals.
The deaths have sparked community concern and criticism regarding local safety and communication. In response, the city has deployed temporary cameras along the trail and is considering improvements to lighting and surveillance.
Entities
Edward Joseph Smith · Lansing City Hall · Lansing Police Department · Lansing River Trail · Michigan · Michigan State University · Robert Backus
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Edward Joseph Smith has been arrested and charged with murder in connection to one of the deaths. www.independent.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] Authorities have confirmed three homicides, while two deaths remain undetermined. www.tromaktiko.gr · www.newsbomb.gr
- [● 3 SOURCES] Investigators believe the victims were likely attacked while sleeping between midnight and 6 a.m. www.tromaktiko.gr · www.theage.com.au · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 2 SOURCES] One victim was killed by stabbing. www.theage.com.au · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Four of the victims suffered severe head or facial injuries. www.tromaktiko.gr · www.theage.com.au · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 6 SOURCES] Five homeless men have died along a stretch of the Lansing River Trail within the past year. www.tromaktiko.gr · internewscast.com · www.newsbomb.gr · www.theage.com.au · www.independent.co.uk · +1 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The city has deployed temporary cameras along the Lansing River Trail. www.theage.com.au
- [● 2 SOURCES] Police Chief Robert Backus is investigating the possibility that the deaths are related to a serial killer. www.theage.com.au · www.independent.co.uk