Five men found dead or injured along a Michigan trail since October 2025 have police investigating possible connections, with one arrest made but no confirmed link to all cases.
Five men have died under mysterious circumstances along a single mile of the Lansing River Trail in Michigan since October 2025, sparking a growing investigation into whether a serial killer is at large.
All five were white, aged between 22 and 70, and believed to be experiencing homelessness. Four sustained blunt-force trauma to the head or face — described by one daughter as "worse than anything in a horror movie." The fifth, Daniel Lusk, 22, was stabbed beneath the Michigan Avenue bridge on August 20.
The first death occurred on October 14, 2025, when Gino Chouinard, 54, was found unconscious with serious facial injuries near East Oakland Avenue. He died on October 27. His cause of death remains undetermined.
More than eight months passed before another man was found: Denis Dunnebacke, 70, discovered unresponsive under the Kalamazoo Street bridge on July 9. He died on July 16. His cousin said he appeared beaten and kicked while lying down.
Robert William Smith, 57, was found unconscious and bleeding from his head just four days later. He died on July 17. His daughter called the injuries "unreal," noting his belongings were still on him.
Louis Woodruff, 57, was found with severe facial injuries near East Cesar Chavez Avenue on September 1 and died ten days later. His death was ruled a homicide.
Police have arrested Edward Joseph Smith, 23, in connection with Lusk’s stabbing. Surveillance footage showed a man matching his description near the bridge. A sweatshirt found in his tent matched the suspect’s clothing. But authorities stress this does not mean he’s linked to the other four deaths.
"We have a suspect in custody for one of these incidents," Lansing Police Chief Robert Backus said at a press briefing. "But whether that’s the same person behind all five? That’s a challenging question."
Investigators cite limited surveillance and lack of witnesses due to the remote, bridge-adjacent locations. Patrols have increased, and mobile cameras installed. Outreach efforts have reportedly reduced overnight stays along the stretch by about half.
No motive has emerged. No pattern of prior conflict has been identified. The medical examiner has not ruled out foul play in any case, though only two have been officially classified as homicides.
The probe continues. The public is urged to come forward with any information. One thing is certain: the trail has become a site of dread, not recreation.
Be the first to comment
Join the argument. No password, just your email or a passkey.