Lansing police probe possible links in five deaths along river trail
Lansing police are investigating whether five men found dead near the city’s river trail may have been victims of related crimes. Police Chief Robert Backus said the cases share patterns, raising public questions about a possible serial killer, but authorities have not established a link or confirmed that all the deaths were criminal.
The men were white and aged between 22 and 70. The first, Gino Chouinard, 54, was found injured on 14 October 2025 and died in hospital on 27 October; later cases include two deaths still under medical examiner review, a death ruled a homicide, and Daniel Lusk, 22, whose stabbing led to an open murder charge. Police say limited surveillance footage and uncertainty about when and where incidents occurred are complicating the investigations.
- Lansing police are checking whether five deaths near a river trail are connected.
- The victims were men aged 22 to 70.
- Authorities have not confirmed a serial killer or a link between all cases.
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Five men have been found dead near Lansing's river trail, prompting an investigation into whether the deaths are connected and, in some cases, whether they were crimes. The victims were white men aged between 22 and 70, with the first discovered in October 2025. Their cases show varying classifications, including at least one ruled a homicide and a stabbing that led to a murder charge.
Police have identified patterns that suggest the deaths could be related, though no definite connection has been established. Investigators face obstacles including limited surveillance footage and uncertainty about when and where each incident took place.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
When multiple deaths share patterns in one location, public safety urgently demands authorities act decisively and keep residents informed. Communities have a right to timely information about potential serious threats so they can protect themselves and make informed decisions. Urgent investigation and transparent communication often generate the community cooperation essential for solving serious crimes. Waiting for absolute certainty before publicly acknowledging a possible pattern risks leaving vulnerable people unaware of genuine danger.
The case against
Authorities are right to investigate thoroughly whilst avoiding premature public confirmation of links not yet established. Several of these deaths remain under review and may prove unrelated to any pattern, and some causes remain uncertain. Making definitive public statements about a serial killer without solid evidence risks unnecessary panic, diverts investigative resources, and introduces bias into the investigation. The Chief's approach—noting investigative interest whilst withholding premature conclusions—appropriately balances investigative integrity with public information.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Midwest police chief fears serial killer may be to blame after five bodies were found along river”.