Lansing Police Probe Possible Link Between Five Deaths on River Trail

Lansing police are investigating whether five deaths over the past year, all involving homeless victims, may be connected to an attacker along the Lansing River Trail, a popular path in the Michigan capital.

Earlier this month, the Lansing Police Department announced it was examining whether the deaths are linked. Officials said five men were attacked along the trail over the last year, including one victim found stabbed to death under a bridge.

Karen Holt, a criminology professor at Michigan State University, said the pattern reflects how some violent offenders choose victims they perceive as unlikely to be believed or pursued.

“I definitely think we need to be cautious, but we also need to be rational,” Holt told Fox News Digital.

“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 said.

She added that if people can be attacked this way in a community, “then I don’t necessarily know that we can call it a safe community.”

Holt said a common pattern among those who commit single or serial homicides is targeting people who are especially vulnerable. She said offenders may view homeless victims as people “who lack credibility,” believing that attacking them “decreases the likelihood that they’re going to be caught.”

One Arrest, No Confirmed Link

On September 3, Edward Joseph Smith, 23, was arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of Daniel Lusk, 22. Police have not announced a motive in that killing, and Smith has not been accused of any crime or wrongdoing in the four other deaths under investigation.

Holt said Lusk’s case differs from the other four deaths, since he was stabbed while the other victims suffered head injuries or possible blunt force trauma. “I would love to learn more about the relationship between that victim and perpetrator,” she said.

Police have not confirmed any arrest tied to the broader pattern of deaths being examined.

Holt said residents should take precautions in the meantime. “Don’t walk the trail would be my advice. Maybe walk a different trail,” she said.