13 stabbings, 5 deaths raise fears in Flint, Michigan
- Stabbings have occurred from late May through this week, police say
- All the victims have been African-Americans
- "He is trying to hurt people who are helping him," the lead investigator says
(CNN) -- Police in Flint, Michigan, are investigating 13 stabbings resulting in five deaths since late May that they believed have been committed by one man.
Race may be a factor in the crimes: All of the stabbing victims are African-American and the perpetrator is described by surviving victims as a white male, according to the lead investigator on the case, Lt. Tim Johnson of the Flint Police Department.
"I can't say for sure, but all I can say is that it's an awfully strange coincidence that the victims are all African-American," said Johnson.
The attacker, described by surviving victims as muscular and around 5-foot-11 to 6-foot-2, in many cases first lured his victims to his car by appearing to have car trouble or needing directions. He then began stabbing the victims, all of whom are described as smaller men. In two cases they were people with special needs.
"He is trying to hurt people who are helping him," Johnson said.
There have also been instances when the killer walked up to his victim and began stabbing without warning.
Other than descriptions by surviving victims, Johnson said, police currently have no leads.
"We are trying to get a handle on this guy. We want, No. 1, for our citizens to be safe," he said.
At this point the police are stopping short of calling the murderer a serial killer.
"It's a series of events linked," Johnson said. "We think the same person is doing all of them."
The five victims who did not survive are David Motley on May 24; Emmanuel Dent on June 21; Darwin Marshall on July 26; Frank Kellybrew on July 30; and, in the most recent attack, Arnold Miner on August 2.
The crimes have occurred in all parts of Flint, not just African-American neighborhoods.
Three victims are still hospitalized.
13 stabbings, 5 deaths raise fears in Flint, Michigan - CNN.com
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