River Trail Deaths Raise Serial Killer Concerns in Lansing

LANSING, Mich. — Five deaths along Lansing’s River Trail have prompted investigators to examine whether someone is targeting homeless men, raising fears of a serial killer in Michigan’s capital.

Police Chief Robert Backus acknowledged the possibility during an October 2 news conference but stopped short of confirming a connected series. Investigators have identified similarities involving the victims, their injuries and the circumstances in which they were found. Authorities are still awaiting medical findings in some cases.

All five victims were unhoused white men. Four suffered severe facial injuries consistent with apparent blunt-force trauma. Police suspect those attacks occurred overnight or during the early morning, possibly while the victims were lying down or sleeping. Backus emphasized that investigators have not established that circumstance with certainty.

The lack of witnesses and surveillance footage has complicated efforts to reconstruct what happened. Police have added patrols and mobile camera trailers along the trail while seeking information from the public.

The first case involved Gino Chouinard, 54, who was found injured near East Oakland Avenue on October 14, 2025. He died October 27. His cause of death remains undetermined.

Dennis Dunnebacke, 70, was found unresponsive with facial injuries beneath the Kalamazoo Street Bridge on July 9, 2026. He died July 16. Robert William Smith, 57, was discovered bleeding from his head near East Oakland Avenue on July 13 and died four days later. Smith’s death was subsequently ruled a homicide.

Louis Woodruff, 57, was found with severe facial injuries in the Old Town section of the trail on August 30. He died September 1, and police classify his death as a homicide.

The fifth case differs significantly. Daniel Lusk, 22, was fatally stabbed August 20. A suspect has been charged with open murder, and investigators are tentatively separating that case from the four apparent beating deaths. No arrests have been reported in those four investigations.

Police and homeless advocates have warned people staying along the river about the suspected overnight danger. Backus said many have relocated, although authorities do not know where all of them went.

For now, the central question remains unresolved: whether the similarities reveal one attacker or separate incidents. Police are asking anyone with information to call the dedicated tip line at 517-483-6023. Establishing a connection requires evidence, and investigators have not publicly confirmed that a serial killer is responsible.