Big Ten criminology professor warns students as police investigate possible serial killer

A Michigan State University criminology professor is warning Lansing residents to stay away from the river trail, as police investigate five possibly linked deaths.

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Karen Holt, an associate professor of criminal justice at Michigan State University, spoke about fears of a possible serial killer in Lansing, Michigan, and warned residents to avoid the Lansing River Trail after five deaths.

Concerns about a possible serial killer in Lansing, Michigan, a Big Ten college town, are in jeopardy.

Earlier this month, the Lansing Police Department announced it was investigating the disturbing possibility that five recent deaths may be linked to an attacker said to be lurking along the Lansing River Trail.

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Over the past year, five men have been assaulted along the popular route, police said. One of the victims was found stabbed under a bridge.

"As someone who studies violence, the first thing that comes to mind is the victims and the vulnerability of those victims and the method of violence," Holt said.

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All of the victims were homeless, police said.

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"If we have a society where people can be attacked like this, then I don't necessarily know that we can call that a safe society," Holt said.

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"One of the patterns that exists with single or serial offenders, homicide offenders or just violent offenders is that they look for people who are vulnerable," he continues.

He says that homicide offenders often see these victims as people who have "no credibility" and may think that going after homeless victims "will make them less likely to be caught."

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October 14, 2025 - Gino Chouinard, 54, was found unconscious along the trail. He died on October 27, 2025, and police said his cause of death is yet to be determined.

July 9, 2026 - Dennis Dunbeck, 70, was found unresponsive under the Kalamazoo Street Bridge. He died on July 16, 2026 of unknown cause.

July 13, 2026 - Robert Smith, 57, suffers from severe head trauma. He died on July 17, 2026, and the coroner ruled it a homicide.

August 20, 2026 - Daniel Lusk, 22, was found stabbed under the East Michigan Avenue Bridge. Police said they arrested the suspect, 23-year-old Edward Joseph Smith, on Sept. 3 in connection with the stabbing.

August 30, 2026 - Luis Woodruff, 57, was found under the East Cesar Chavez Street Bridge with severe facial trauma. He died on September 1, 2026, and police ruled his death a homicide.

Police in Lansing, Michigan are investigating a possible serial killer who may be connected to five deaths along Lansing's Riverwalk. (FOX2 Detroit)

On September 3, Edward Joseph Smith, 23, was arrested in connection with the fatal stabbing of Daniel Lusk, 22.

"I would like to know more about the relationship between that victim and the perpetrator," she said. The police have not announced any motive in Lusk's murder.

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Smith has not been charged with any crime or wrongdoing in the other four deaths.

Holt said Lusk's killing was "unique" compared to other alleged murders in that the victim was stabbed — while the other four victims suffered some form of head injury or possible blunt force trauma.

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Police have not yet confirmed the arrest of this alleged serial killer.

Holt believes that Lansing must remain vigilant.

"My advice is don't go to trial. Maybe take a different route."

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