---
title: "Lansing, Mich., police probe River Trail death pattern"
url: https://www.herelansing.com/2026/10/10/lansing-river-trail-deaths-serial-probe/
date: 2026-10-10T06:41:19-04:00
modified: 2026-10-10T06:41:19-04:00
author: "Dorian B. Hartman"
categories: ["Public Safety"]
site: "HERE Lansing"
attribution: "HERE Lansing"
---

# Lansing, Mich., police probe River Trail death pattern

> LANSING, Mich. — Lansing, Mich., police say five deaths along a short stretch of the city's River Trail since last October remain under active investigation, including the possibility the cases are related. Police Chief Robert Backus told reporters the deaths involve men who appeared to be homeless and that investigators are examining whether a pattern

*Source: [HERE Lansing](https://www.herelansing.com/2026/10/10/lansing-river-trail-deaths-serial-probe/) — October 10, 2026 by Dorian B. Hartman*

LANSING, Mich. — Lansing, Mich., police say five deaths along a short stretch of the city’s River Trail since last October remain under active investigation, including the possibility the cases are related.

Police Chief Robert Backus told reporters the deaths involve men who appeared to be homeless and that investigators are examining whether a pattern connects them. He said the public has asked whether Lansing has a serial killer and stressed that every case is still being worked.

Three of the deaths have been ruled homicides, Backus said. The manner of death in the other two remains less clear, with one previously described as undetermined and another still awaiting a final finding.

The five deaths occurred along a roughly one-mile section of the about 20-mile Lansing River Trail near downtown, a path used by runners, cyclists and walkers that links downtown Lansing toward Michigan State University in East Lansing.

Investigators believe the injuries happened overnight, particularly in the early morning hours, and that some victims may have been lying down or sleeping when they were hurt. Four cases involved apparent blunt-force injuries to the face, while a fifth was a stabbing that has produced a separate arrest.

City leaders have sought to reassure residents that Lansing remains safe while the probe continues. Police have asked the public for tips that could help determine whether one or more offenders are responsible for the River Trail deaths.