Lansing Police investigate possible serial killer after five men were killed

On Thursday, Oct. 8, NBC Nightly News anchor Tom Llamas reported that Lansing police are investigating a possible serial killer after five men were killed under similar circumstances. The investigation began a week ago when Police Chief Robert Backus raised the question, 'Do we have a serial killer in Lansing?' Authorities have classified three of the deaths as homicides, while the medical examiner has not yet ruled in a fourth case; the fifth case remains undetermined.

City officials have responded to the coverage, with Mayor Andy Schor’s spokesperson Scott Bean issuing a statement that the River Trail and downtown are safe for residents and visitors. LPD has increased patrols and camera surveillance downtown and along the River Trail at all hours, according to Bean, who noted that the attacks specifically targeted unhoused individuals and that outreach teams are offering services and overnight shelter.

Choose Lansing president Julie Pingston said her organization is working with LPD to ensure a safe environment for all visitors and meeting attendees, sharing schedules of events so planners are aware of times when people are coming and going between hotels and the convention center. Backus added that the pattern of assaults is early morning hours when the River Trail is closed to the public, and that more surveillance is needed outside those hours.

Read the full story at WKAR.