Five Lansing Trail Deaths Prompt Possible Serial-Killer Probe

Lansing police are investigating whether five deaths involving unhoused men found along a stretch of the Lansing River Trail between October 2025 and August 2026 are connected, but have not confirmed that a serial killer is responsible. Four men had apparent blunt-force or other traumatic injuries to the face, while 22-year-old Daniel Lusk was stabbed; a suspect has been charged in Lusk’s death, but investigators have not linked him to the other cases. Authorities have ruled three deaths homicides, while one remains undetermined and the cause of another has not been established. Police say limited witnesses and surveillance footage have hampered the investigation and have increased patrols and camera coverage as outreach workers connect unhoused residents with services and shelter. City officials have described downtown and the trail as safe while acknowledging the stepped-up police presence and outreach.