Lansing police probe possible serial killer after five river trail deaths

Lansing authorities are exploring the possibility that a serial killer may be responsible for five deaths that occurred along the River Trail, according to Police Chief Robert Backus. All victims were homeless persons ranging from 22 to 70 years old and were discovered in the early morning, often appearing to have been lying down. Injuries include facial trauma in four cases and a stabbing in one, with two deaths officially classified as homicides.

The medical examiner could not determine causes of death for two victims, and one case remains pending investigation. Edward Joseph Smith has been taken into custody for the stabbing of Daniel Lusk and was arraigned on September 3. Police continue to seek information on any connections among the incidents.