Dr. David Hayes, a criminologist, noted that investigating these crimes is difficult. Because unhoused individuals often lack the physical and digital ‘footprints,' like cellphone data or consistent daily routines that housed people have, finding the ‘connective tissue’ between the cases is much harder. He emphasized that if the cases are connected, it is a tragic instance of a killer preying on highly vulnerable people. (WJBK)
Serial killer fears strike college town as school fortifies security amid popular river trail deaths
by Kelsie Cairns · Fox NewsNEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
A potential serial killer may be stalking a popular river trail near Michigan State University, where five deaths have fueled growing safety concerns.
The Lansing Police Department announced it is investigating five deaths linked to the Lansing River Trail over the last year, when a suspect may have been targeting and attacking people at night, police said.
Now, the university's Department of Police and Public Safety announced it is reminding students to be vigilant when going out at night.
OLE MISS NAMES STUDENTS FOUND DEAD AS OFFICIAL ADDRESSES POTENTIAL FOR FOUL PLAY
In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for the Michigan State University Department of Police and Public Safety said, in part, "The MSU portion of the River Trail has upgraded security measures to include additional LED lighting and Green Light emergency phones with public safety cameras, and it is routinely patrolled by MSU Police Officers on bike patrols.
"We encourage students using the trail to remain aware of their surroundings and take reasonable precautions to help ensure their safety, especially at night."
TWO OLE MISS STUDENTS FOUND DEAD AS PACKAGED KRATOM IS RECOVERED AT TWO SITES: OFFICIALS
OLE MISS TOXICOLOGY REPORTS EXPECTED SOON AND RESULTS MAY TRIGGER ANTI-FENTANYL LAW, OFFICIAL SAYS
Of the five deaths, the youngest victim was Daniel Lusk, 22, who was found fatally stabbed under the East Michigan Avenue bridge Aug. 20.
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The stabbing occurred less than a mile from campus.
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Police arrested suspect Edward Joseph Smith, 23, Sept. 3, in that stabbing.
Smith has not been accused of any crime or involvement in the other four deaths.
In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said, in part, "The Lansing River Trail and our downtown remain safe for residents and visitors. LPD has significantly increased their presence downtown and on the river trail at all hours of the day and night."
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The Lansing Police department said all of victims appear to be homeless White men.
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The investigation is active and ongoing.