Portland ‘serial killer’ – live: Jesse Calhoun identified as person of interest in four mystery deaths

Ariana Baio and Josh Marcus

Oregon officials have identified Jesse Lee Calhoun of Portland, as a person of interest in the deaths of four women that police say are linked, law enforcement sources told The Associated Press.

The 38-year-old has not been officially named as a person of interest or charged with any crimes related to the investigation.

He is currently in prison on unrelated charges, after being arrested on 6 June of a parole violation.

On Monday, nine different police departments released a joint statement saying the deaths of Kristin Smith, 22; Charity Lynn Perry, 24; Bridget Leann (Ramsay) Webster, 31; and Ashely Real, 22, are linked.

All four women were found either near or on the sides of roads between February and May in the wider Portland area. Their cause of death has not been determined.

Key Points

  • Deaths of four women in Portland linked to person of interest, authorities say

  • Police probed possible connection between deaths of six women in Oregon

  • Police once sought to downplay ‘rumors’ that Oregon deaths were connected

  • Medical examiner has not determined cause of deaths

  • Multiple police departments involved in investigation

Read the full update from Oregon police on suspicious deaths investigation

07:32 , Josh Marcus

Below is the joint news release from nine law enforcement agencies on 17 July.

“Investigators and prosecutors from multiple law enforcement agencies have been working collaboratively on numerous death investigations in Northwest Oregon, and they have determined that there are links between four cases: Kristin Smith, Charity Perry, Bridget Webster, and Ashley Real.

“These Investigators and prosecutors, from nine different law enforcement agencies, have been in regular communication and have been working collaboratively on these investigations for several months. These agencies include the Gresham Police Department, Portland Police Bureau, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oregon State Police.

“No charges have been filed against anyone in connection with any of these four death investigations. Investigators have interviewed multiple people in connection with these cases and have identified at least one person of interest that is linked to all four of the decedents. Based on the available information to investigators, there is not believed to be any active danger to the community at this time.

“No additional information, including the nature of the information that links these four cases together is being released at this time, as these are ongoing death investigations. The cause and manner of death in each case remains undetermined by the Oregon State Medical Examiner.

“These four ongoing investigations include:

  • February 19, 2023 – Kristin Smith, 22 (Portland Police Bureau)

    • Missing report filed with the Gresham Police Department on December 22, 2022.

  • April 24, 2023 – Charity Lynn Perry, 24 (Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office)

  • April 30, 2023 – Bridget Leann (Ramsay) Webster, 31 (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)

  • May 7, 2023 – Ashley Real, 22 (Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office)

    • Missing report filed with the Portland Police Bureau on April 4, 2023.

“Investigators continue to seek the public’s help in each of these investigations. Anyone with information about these cases is asked to contact the appropriate investigator or investigative agency. Media requests regarding specific cases should be directed to the investigating agency.

“Anyone desiring anonymity may submit tips to Crime Stoppers of Oregon. Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers of Oregon, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime and tipsters can remain anonymous. Secure and anonymous tips may be provided at www.crimestoppersoforegon.com or visit the App Store and download P3 Tips for smart phones or tablets.

“Crime Stoppers of Oregon is funded 100% by community donations. To support Crime Stoppers of Oregon with a donation, or to view other unsolved cases, please visit http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com/.”

As Oregon police investigate one potential killer, New York officials catch another

06:32 , Josh Marcus

As the Portland community awaits updates on a possible serial killer case in their area, another case is unfolding on the other side of the country.

Last week, police in New York announced a major break in the investigation of the Gilgo Beach murders, with the arrest of Manhattan-based architect Rex Heuermann as a prime suspect.

Read more:

How the Gilgo Beach serial killer turned the Long Island shore into a graveyard

Other Oregon deaths not part of probe, police say

05:32 , Josh Marcus

Speculation about a possible serial killer or link between deaths began last month when people pointed to six different potential homicide victims as being related.

Now police have linked four of the deaths together by one person of interest.

But two deaths, that of Oregon resident Joanna Speaks, 32, and an unidentified woman are not considered related to the current investigation.

Ms Speaks was found on an abandoned property in Ridgefield, Washington about 20 miles north of Portland. Authorities in the Clark County Sheriff’s Office indicated that Ms Speaks’ body may have been moved.

The other woman, who remains unidentified, was found in a neighbourhood in downtown Portland. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office indicated she may have been Native American or Native Alaskan and between the ages of 25 and 40.

Medical examiner has not determined cause of deaths in Oregon investigation

04:32 , Josh Marcus

Four women’s deaths in the Portland metro area have been connected to one person of interest, authorities in several police departments confirmed on Monday.

However, the manner of each of their deaths is still unclear.

According to a joint press release, the Oregon State Medical examiner has not been able to determine the cause and manner of each of their deaths.

All four women were found near or on the side of the road within 100 miles of one another.

The moment the Oregon deaths investigation changed

03:54 , Josh Marcus

Authorities in Oregon say they have identified a person of interest in an investigation into a string of murders of in the greater Portland Metro area.

The bodies of six women have been found in roadsides and woods in a 100-mile area of the city between February and May this year, prompting fears of a possible serial killer.

On Monday, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office announced it had connected four of the victims to a sole person of interest, according to KPTV.

The person’s identity has not been released by authorities, and they are not currently facing criminal charges in connection with the murders, the sheriff’s office said.

Bevan Hurley reports.

Person of interest identified in connection with four murders in Portland

ICYMI: Jesse Calhoun identified as person of interest in suspicious deaths of four women in Portland

02:32 , Josh Marcus

Oregon police have identified Jesse Lee Calhoun of Portland as a person of interest in the recent deaths of four area women that officials say are linked, according to the Associated Press, citing law enforcement sources.

On Monday, a group of nine Washington police agencies announced they had identified a person of interest in the deaths of Kristin Smith, 22; Charity Lynn Perry, 24; Bridget Leann (Ramsay) Webster, 31; and Ashely Real, 22. Police previously said the deaths, which took place between February and May, were unconnected.

Police have not publicly named Calhoun as a person of interest or charged him with any crimes related to the investigation.

Calhoun, whose last address was in Portland, is currently in custody at the Snake River Correctional Institution in Ontario, Oregon, on unrelated charges, according to state records.

More details in our full story.

Jesse Calhoun identified as person of interest in deaths of four women in Portland

Mom says she is ‘in the dark’ about daughter’s mysterious death

01:38 , Josh Marcus

Diane Allen, whose daughter Charity Lynn Perry is one of the four women whose mysterious Portland-area deaths police are investigating, says she knows little about where things are heading.

She told the Associated Press she only gets occasional updates from police.

“I’m in the dark about a lot,” Allen told AP on Wednesday. “But the detective and I understand why this is required. We don’t need anything messing up this investigation.”

Police tore through apartments linked to Calhoun, neighbour says

01:00 , Josh Marcus

Investigators in full-body suits spent days searching a woman’s apartment in Milwaukie, Oregon, as part of their investigation into the linked deaths of four women in the Portland area, a neighbour told The Oregonian.

The police cut out a piece of the couch and carpet in the unit, the neighbour said.

The apartment at the center of the search allegedly belongs to the girlfriend of Jesse Lee Calhoun, who is reportedly a person of interest in the police’s investigation into the deaths.

Woman claiming to be girlfriend of Jesse Calhoun speaks out in YouTube video

Thursday 20 July 2023 00:32 , Josh Marcus

A woman claiming to be the girlfriend of Jesse Lee Calhoun has offered new claims about the investigation into four linked women’s deaths in the Portland area.

The unnamed woman, speaking to local YouTuber, said she was in a relationship with Calhoun, who is reportedly a person of interest in the police investigation.

The woman said Calhoun sold fentanyl and knew at least two of the women who were recently found dead, The Oregonian reports.

Police have not publically announced any person of interest or charges in the investigation, though law enforcement sources have told local media Calhoun is at the center of the case.

Convicted burglar, father, and inmate firefighter: What we know about person of interest in Portland deaths

Wednesday 19 July 2023 23:10 , Josh Marcus

Authorities have reportedly identified 38-year-old Jesse Lee Calhoun as a person of interest connected to the suspicious deaths of four women in the Portland metro area, according to anonymous law enforcement officials.

Police have not officially named a person of interest in the case or announced any charges.

Officials believe the 38-year-old has some link to the deaths of Kristin Smith, 22; Charity Lynn Perry, 24; Bridget Leann (Ramsay) Webster, 31; and Ashely Real, 22.

All four women were found dead within 100 miles of one another either near or on the sides of roads between February and May of this year.

Ariana Baio has the details in her full story.

Kate Brown: ‘Soft-on-crime’ Democrat or criminal justice innovator?

Wednesday 19 July 2023 22:25 , Josh Marcus

Critics have alleged that former Oregon governor Kate Brown is partly to blame for the deaths of four women in Portland, which police reportedly believe may be linked to Jesse Lee Calhoun, a Portland man whose sentence was commutted in 2021 by Ms Brown.

(Calhoun, who is currently back in prison on unrelated charges, was slated to originally be released in the summer of 2022, before the susipicious deaths occurred. He hasn’t been officially named a person of interest or charged in relation to the deaths.)

Nonetheless, the Oregon Senate GOP has called Ms Brown “disgraceful” and a “soft-on-crime Democrat governor.”

As Covid raged through Oregon prisons in 2020 and 2021, Ms Brown commuted the sentences of nearly 1,000 people, focusing on those nearing the end of their sentences and those who were medically vulnerable.

The Criminal Justice Commission, a nonpartisan state agency, studied those released under the governor’s efforts, and found in 2022 that they were not more likely to commit crimes than the general formerly incarcerated population.

ICYMI: Jesse Calhoun identified as person of interest in suspicious deaths of four women in Portland

Wednesday 19 July 2023 22:00 , Josh Marcus

Oregon police have identified Jesse Lee Calhoun of Portland as a person of interest in the recent deaths of four area women that officials say are linked, according to the Associated Press, citing law enforcement sources.

On Monday, a group of nine Washington police agencies announced they had identified a person of interest in the deaths of Kristin Smith, 22; Charity Lynn Perry, 24; Bridget Leann (Ramsay) Webster, 31; and Ashely Real, 22. Police previously said the deaths, which took place between February and May, were unconnected.

Police have not publicly named Calhoun as a person of interest or charged him with any crimes related to the investigation.

Get all the details on the potential suspect in the investigation in our full story.

Jesse Calhoun identified as person of interest in deaths of four women in Portland

Court records show dramatic encounter between police and person of interest in Oregon deaths

Wednesday 19 July 2023 21:40 , Josh Marcus

Jesse Lee Calhoun, the reported person of interest in the suspicious recent deaths of four Oregon women, had a tense recent encounter with law enforcement, according to law enforcement.

On 6 June, officers from multiple local sheriff’s departments and the US Marshals Service attempted to arrest the 38-year-old on a parole violation.

He then reportedly drove into the Willamette River and tried to escape before later being arrested, Willamette Week reports.

The 38-year-old is currently being held in Snake River Correctional Institution in Ontario, Oregon, according to state records.

GOP attacks former governor for releasing person of interest in Oregon deaths

Wednesday 19 July 2023 21:20 , Josh Marcus

Critics on the right are attacking former Oregon governor Kate Brown for commuting the prison sentence of Jesse Lee Calhoun, a man reportedly being considered a person of interest in the suspicious deaths of four women around the Portland area in recent months.

On Twitter, the Marion County, Oregon, Republican Party highlighted a news story about the commutation, while commenters on the right lashed out at Ms Brown.

“The incompetent, evil former gov Brown released this man into society,” one account known as HoneyBadgerMom wrote on social media. “Never forget what these monsters did.”

As The Independent has reported, Calhoun was slated for release in June of 2022, but got out on 22 July, 2021, after the governor commutted his sentence for service on an inmate firefighting crew.

The suspicious deaths were discovered between February and May of 2023, likely after Calhoun would’ve been released on his original sentence.

Some reminders about the Oregon deaths investigation

Wednesday 19 July 2023 21:00 , Josh Marcus

There are times when the media is able to race ahead of what the police can say on a big story.

That’s the case now when it comes to the ongoing Oregon police investigation of four women who were found dead around the wider Portland area in recent months.

While law enforcement sources have told local media outlets that the deaths are murders, and the potential handiwork of a currently incarcerated Portland man named Jesse Lee Calhoun, the official story is much more spare at the moment.

Police have not yet referred to the deaths as murders, nor have they named Mr Calhoun as a suspect or charged him with any crime.

Person of interest in Oregon deaths was let out of prison early

Wednesday 19 July 2023 20:39 , Josh Marcus

Jesse Calhoun, a Portland man whom police have reportedly identified as a person of interest in the recent deaths of four Oregon women, was let out of prison early by then-governor Kate Brown.

Originally set to be released in 2022, Mr Calhoun’s sentence was conditionally commuted, part of a group of 41 Oregon inmates given reduced sentences following their service in prison fire crews battling wildfires in 2020, per Willamette Week. He was released in 2021.

“I am absolutely horrified for the victims, their families, and all those who have experienced these losses,” Ms Brown told KOIN in a statement.

Jesse Calhoun identified as person of interest

Wednesday 19 July 2023 20:10 , Megan Sheets

Jesse Lee Calhoun has been named as the person of interest allegedly connecting four mysterious deaths in Portland.

His identity was confirmed to the Associated Press by a law enforcement source. Multnomah County officials still have yet to officially announce his identity and no charges have been filed.

Read the joint news release in full

Wednesday 19 July 2023 20:00 , Megan Sheets

Below is the joint news release from nine law enforcement agencies on 17 July.

“Investigators and prosecutors from multiple law enforcement agencies have been working collaboratively on numerous death investigations in Northwest Oregon, and they have determined that there are links between four cases: Kristin Smith, Charity Perry, Bridget Webster, and Ashley Real.

“These Investigators and prosecutors, from nine different law enforcement agencies, have been in regular communication and have been working collaboratively on these investigations for several months. These agencies include the Gresham Police Department, Portland Police Bureau, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oregon State Police.

“No charges have been filed against anyone in connection with any of these four death investigations. Investigators have interviewed multiple people in connection with these cases and have identified at least one person of interest that is linked to all four of the decedents. Based on the available information to investigators, there is not believed to be any active danger to the community at this time.

“No additional information, including the nature of the information that links these four cases together is being released at this time, as these are ongoing death investigations. The cause and manner of death in each case remains undetermined by the Oregon State Medical Examiner.

“These four ongoing investigations include:

  • February 19, 2023 – Kristin Smith, 22 (Portland Police Bureau)

    • Missing report filed with the Gresham Police Department on December 22, 2022.

  • April 24, 2023 – Charity Lynn Perry, 24 (Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office)

  • April 30, 2023 – Bridget Leann (Ramsay) Webster, 31 (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)

  • May 7, 2023 – Ashley Real, 22 (Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office)

    • Missing report filed with the Portland Police Bureau on April 4, 2023.

“Investigators continue to seek the public’s help in each of these investigations. Anyone with information about these cases is asked to contact the appropriate investigator or investigative agency. Media requests regarding specific cases should be directed to the investigating agency.

“Anyone desiring anonymity may submit tips to Crime Stoppers of Oregon. Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers of Oregon, that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime and tipsters can remain anonymous. Secure and anonymous tips may be provided at www.crimestoppersoforegon.com or visit the App Store and download P3 Tips for smart phones or tablets.

“Crime Stoppers of Oregon is funded 100% by community donations. To support Crime Stoppers of Oregon with a donation, or to view other unsolved cases, please visit http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com/.”

Two days with no update from Portland authorities

Wednesday 19 July 2023 19:00 , Megan Sheets

It’s been two days since Portland officials announced a person of interest had been identified in connection with four deaths in the area - and there are no signs of further updates on the way.

Authorities announced the connection between the deaths of Ashley Real, 22, Bridget Webster, Kristin Smith, 22, and Charity Lynn Perry, 24, in a joint press release on Monday.

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, which is leading the investigation, has declined to offer any details since.

The name of the person of interest remains unconfirmed, though multiple outlets have speculated on who it is.

The serial killer case unfolding on the other side of the US

Wednesday 19 July 2023 18:00 , Megan Sheets

As the Portland community awaits updates on a possible serial killer case in their area, another case is unfolding on the other side of the country.

Last week, authorities announced the arrest of a suspect in the Gilgo Beach murders on Long Island.

Read more:

How the Gilgo Beach serial killer turned the Long Island shore into a graveyard

Two other deaths not related to person of interest

Wednesday 19 July 2023 17:00 , Ariana Baio

Speculation about a possible serial killer or link between deaths began last month when people pointed to six different potential homicide victims as being related.

Now police have linked four of the deaths together by one person of interest.

But two deaths, that of Oregon resident Joanna Speaks, 32, and an unidentified woman are not considered related to the current investigation.

Ms Speaks was found on an abandoned property in Ridgefield, Washington about 20 miles north of Portland. Authorities in the Clark County Sheriff’s Office indicated that Ms Speaks’ body may have been moved.

The other woman, who remains unidentified, was found in a neighbourhood in downtown Portland. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office indicated she may have been Native American or Native Alaskan and between the ages of 25 and 40.

Why did police change their tune on deaths being connected?

Wednesday 19 July 2023 16:00 , Megan Sheets

The deaths of six different women in the Portland, Oregon area sparked concerns online that they may be connected, though police for weeks insisted that was not the case.

Between February and May, six women were found within 100 miles of one another, on the sides of the roads or in wooded areas – raising suspicions as to the similar nature of their deaths.

Due to the time frame each woman was found, and the similar type of location, speculation circulated online that the six women may be victims of a single cause.

However, the Portland Police Department said in a press release last month: “PPB has no reason to believe these 6 cases are connected.”

Finally this week, authorities confirmed that at least four of the six deaths were linked by a person of interest.

Deaths of four women in Portland linked to person of interest, authorities say

Wednesday 19 July 2023 14:00 , Ariana Baio

The bodies of six women have been found in roadsides and woods in a 100-mile area of Portland between February and May this year, prompting fears of a possible serial killer.

On Monday, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office announced it had connected four of the victims and identified a person of interest.

Bevan Hurley reports:

Person of interest identified in connection with four murders in Portland

District Attorney not releasing further information

Wednesday 19 July 2023 13:00 , Ariana Baio

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office tweeted a link to the presser on the four death in Oregon on Monday, adding that they do not plan to release further information about the connected deaths at this time.

Medical examiner has not determined cause of deaths

Wednesday 19 July 2023 12:00 , Ariana Baio

Four women’s deaths in the Portland metro area have been connected to one person of interest, authorities in several police departments confirmed on Monday.

However, the manner of each of their deaths is still unclear.

According to a joint press release, the Oregon State Medical examiner has not been able to determine the cause and manner of each of their deaths.

All four women were found near or on the side of the road within 100 miles of one another.

Kristin Smith’s family feared she had been sex trafficked

Wednesday 19 July 2023 11:00 , Ariana Baio

On 19 February, Kristin Smith’s remains were found in a wooded area in Portland’s Pleasant Valley neighbourhood.

Prior to her discovery, her family told local media they worried she had been sex trafficked.

“A main concern of ours now is sex trafficking. We don’t know but with things we’ve been told or people who know her are saying it’s a possibility because this is not like her to just disappear,” Melissa Smith, Kristin’s mother, told KPTV.

“When I tried to reach out to her again, she didn’t answer, and I thought that was strange but thought, ‘well, maybe she was busy.’ Next day, same thing, and then the phone went straight to voicemail and that’s when I’m like, ‘this is very odd. Something’s not right,’” she added

Smith went missing in November.

Map shows where victims were found

Wednesday 19 July 2023 10:00 , Ariana Baio

11 times true crime documentaries helped solve the cases they were based on

Wednesday 19 July 2023 09:00 , Ariana Baio

Documentaries are able to bring renewed attention to cold cases – unsolved criminal investigations – which can sometimes bring new evidence to light.

Inga Parkel and Tom Murray report:

11 times true crime documentaries helped solve the cases they were based on

Multiple police departments involved in investigation

Wednesday 19 July 2023 08:00 , Ariana Baio

Several police departments in the Portland metro area have been working together to solve six different homicides, four of which may now be linked.

In February, the remains of a missing 22-year-old woman named Kristin Smith were found near a wooded area in Pleasant Valley Neighbourhood.

Smith was first reported missing in December 2022 and a manner of death has not been determined so far according to Law&Crime. The case is under investigation by the Portland Police Department.

In April, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it was investigating the “suspicious death” of Bridget LeAnne (Ramsey) Webster, 31, who was found on Harmony Road near Mill Creek.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office asked anyone with information about her death to contact its office.

In April, the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office issued a press release seeking tips on the “suspicious death” of 24-year-old Charity Lynn Perry who was found in a culvert near East Historic Columbia River Highway and NE Tumlat Road.

Then in May, the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office began investigating the death of Ashley Real, 22, whose body was found on SE Judd Road near Eagle Creek in May.

Real’s death was determined “suspicious in nature” but not declared to be a homicide at the time, according to a press release from the sheriff’s office

Two other deaths not related to person of interest

Wednesday 19 July 2023 07:00 , Ariana Baio

Speculation about a possible serial killer or link between deaths began last month when people pointed to six different potential homicide victims as being related.

Now police have linked four of the deaths together by one person of interest.

But two deaths, that of Oregon resident Joanna Speaks, 32, and an unidentified woman are not considered related to the current investigation.

Ms Speaks was found on an abandoned property in Ridgefield, Washington about 20 miles north of Portland. Authorities in the Clark County Sheriff’s Office indicated that Ms Speaks’ body may have been moved.

The other woman, who remains unidentified, was found in a neighbourhood in downtown Portland. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office indicated she may have been Native American or Native Alaskan and between the ages of 25 and 40.

A New York serial killer was identified and arrested this week

Wednesday 19 July 2023 06:00 , Ariana Baio

Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect named as Rex Heuermann

Portland police dismissed serial killer fears after the deaths of six women. Then came a chilling connection

Wednesday 19 July 2023 05:00 , Ariana Baio

After 22-year-old Kristin Smith vanished from Gresham, Oregon, late last year, her mother Melissa spent months distributing flyers around Portland, giving interviews to local media and true crime podcasts, posting in Facebook groups devoted to finding missing persons and running a GoFundMe page to help keep the search alive.

Then, on 19 February, Melissa’s worst nightmare became a reality when Kristin’s body was found in woodland outside of Gresham’s Pleasant Valley neighbourhood.

Since then, the bodies of five more young women have been discovered within a 100-mile stretch of the Portland Metro area and, on Monday, police said they believed that at least four of them could be linked to one person of interest, whom they declined to identify, having previously said they had “no reason to believe” such a connection existed.

Joe Sommerlad reports:

Is there a serial killer in Portland? What we know about string of mystery deaths

Police say there is no danger to public

Wednesday 19 July 2023 04:00 , Ariana Baio

In a statement from nine Oregon law enforcement agencies, officials said despite four deaths being connected there was no danger to the public at this time.

“Based on the available information to investigators, there is not believed to be any active danger to the community at this time,” the statement issued on Monday said.

The statement continued: “No charges have been filed against anyone in connection with any of these four death investigations.”

The joint statement said they could not provide any more information about the nature of the deaths or how they are connected.

Sister of victim describes tragic loss

Wednesday 19 July 2023 03:00 , Ariana Baio

The sister of Kristin Smith, one of the four victims, described what it was like to lose her sister.

Ms Smith, 22, first went missing in December 2022. Her family members spent countless hours searching for her via social media, flyers and more.

“It’s quite like a piece of you is missing, that’s really the only way you can describe it,” Hailey Smith told local outlet KPTV.

Hailey recounted special memories with her sister to the news outlet.

“She taught me how to do my hair, nails, makeup, all of it,” she said.

Months later, in February, Ms Smith’s remains were found in a heavily wooded area. Portland police are still investigating the manner of her death.

How pizza crust and burner phones led police to Gilgo Beach suspect

Wednesday 19 July 2023 02:00 , Ariana Baio

It’s taken 13 years but Suffolk County Police finally say they’ve caught the serial killer who dumped his victims along the shores of Gilgo Beach

Rachel Sharp reports:

How pizza crust, burner phones and wife’s hairs led police to Gilgo Beach suspect

What is a serial killer?

Wednesday 19 July 2023 01:00 , Ariana Baio

The person of interest thought to be linked to four murders in the Portland metro area has not been described as a serial killer by authorities but the pattern of killings could possibly be defined as one.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the term “serial killings” means a series of three or more killings, more than one was committed in the United States, that have a common characteristic to suggest the reasonable possibility the crimes were committed by the same person.

All the victims, in this case, were women between the ages of 22 and 31.

Father of victim says ‘something in my heart is missing’

Wednesday 19 July 2023 00:00 , Ariana Baio

The father of one of the four women who were found in the Portland metro area described the heartbreaking feeling of dealing with his daughter, Ashley Real’s, death.

“I cannot protect her. I cannot be with her that day. I always want her to be cared for and I feel so sad because I miss that day, I miss that day,” Jose Real told KATU2.

Ashely, 22, was found deceased near Eagle Creek on 7 May. She had been missing for nearly two months when her remains were discovered.

“Maybe you don’t have a daughter, you don’t have a son now, but believe me, when somebody loses a daughter or son, so sad,” Mr Real said.

Investigators ask for public’s help with investigation

Tuesday 18 July 2023 23:00 , Ariana Baio

Authorities investigating the four linked deaths in Portland, Oregon are asking the public to provide any information that could help lead them to answers.

For tips pertaining to Kirstin Smith’s case, people can reach out to Detective Jeffery Pontius with the Portland Police Bureau with information: jeffery.pontius@police.portlandoregon.gov.

For tips pertaining to Charity Perry’s cases, people can reach out to Detective Kevin Odil with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office at Kevin.odil@mcso.us or call 503-988-0560.

For tips pertaining to Bridget Webster’s case, people can reach out to Detective David Shorter with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office at shorter.david@co.polk.or.us.

For tips pertaining to Ashley Real’s case, people can reach out to the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office at 503-723-4949.

Nine different law enforcement agencies involved in investigation

Tuesday 18 July 2023 22:00 , Ariana Baio

In a joint press release, nine different law enforcement agencies in Oregon said they were working together to determine how and when four women across the Portland metro area were killed.

The Gresham Police Department, Portland Police Bureau, Oregon State Police, Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office and Polk County Sheriff’s Office are involved as each victim was found in a different location.

Additionally, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office and Polk County District Attorney’s Office are part of the probe.

As of now, authorities have not released any further information about the deaths or the person of interest who is tied to all four deaths.

Police in Oregon initially said deaths were unrelated

Tuesday 18 July 2023 21:00 , Ariana Baio

The deaths of six different women in the Portland, Oregon area have sparked concerns online that they may be connected, though police say that is not the case so far.

Between February and May, six women have been found within 100 miles of one another, on the sides of the roads or in wooded areas – raising suspicions as to the similar nature of their deaths.

Due to the time frame each woman was found, and the similar type of location, speculation has circulated online that the six women may be victims of a single cause.

However, the Portland Police Department said in a press release: “PPB has no reason to believe these 6 cases are connected.”

Ariana Baio reports:

Police probe possible connection between deaths of six women in Oregon

The four victims

Tuesday 18 July 2023 20:00 , Ariana Baio

Kristin Smith, 32, Charity Lynn Perry, 24, Bridget Webster, 31 and Ashley Real, 22 (Portland Police Bureau/Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office/Polk County Sheriff’s Office)
Kristin Smith, 32, Charity Lynn Perry, 24, Bridget Webster, 31 and Ashley Real, 22 (Portland Police Bureau/Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office/Polk County Sheriff’s Office)

Police determine person of interest ties four deaths together

Tuesday 18 July 2023 19:00 , Ariana Baio

Authorities across several different police departments in the Portland metro area determined that the deaths of four women were linked together by one person of interest.

In a press release posted on Monday, the Multnomah County District Attorney said that investigators interviewed multiple people in connection to the cases to identify the person of interest.

Police “Identified at least one person of interest that is linked to all four of the decedents. Based on the available information to investigators, there is not believed to be any active danger to the community at this time.”

No charges have been filed at this time and no other information is being released.

Multnomah County District Attorney not releasing further information

Tuesday 18 July 2023 18:20 , Ariana Baio

The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office tweeted a link to the presser on the four death in Oregon on Monday, adding that they do not plan to release further information about the connected deaths at this time.

Medical examiner has not determined cause of deaths

Tuesday 18 July 2023 17:45 , Ariana Baio

Four women’s deaths in the Portland metro area have been connected to one person of interest, authorities in several police departments confirmed on Monday.

However, the manner of each of their deaths is still unclear.

According to a joint press release, the Oregon State Medical examiner has not been able to determine the cause and manner of each of their deaths.

All four women were found near or on the side of the road within 100 miles of one another.

Portland police dismissed serial killer fears after the deaths of six women. Then came a chilling connection

Tuesday 18 July 2023 17:00 , Ariana Baio

After 22-year-old Kristin Smith vanished from Gresham, Oregon, late last year, her mother Melissa spent months distributing flyers around Portland, giving interviews to local media and true crime podcasts, posting in Facebook groups devoted to finding missing persons and running a GoFundMe page to help keep the search alive.

Then, on 19 February, Melissa’s worst nightmare became a reality when Kristin’s body was found in woodland outside of Gresham’s Pleasant Valley neighbourhood.

Since then, the bodies of five more young women have been discovered within a 100-mile stretch of the Portland Metro area and, on Monday, police said they believed that at least four of them could be linked to one person of interest, whom they declined to identify, having previously said they had “no reason to believe” such a connection existed.

Joe Sommerlad reports:

Is there a serial killer in Portland? What we know about string of mystery deaths

Map of where victims were found

Tuesday 18 July 2023 16:20 , Ariana Baio

In New York a serial killer is identified

Tuesday 18 July 2023 15:50 , Ariana Baio

A Manhattan architect and married father-of-two was arrested on suspicion of being the infamous Gilgo Beach serial killer responsible for up to 11 murders on Long Island.

Rachel Sharp reports:

Gilgo Beach serial killer suspect named as Rex Heuermann

Two other deaths not related to person of interest

Tuesday 18 July 2023 15:15 , Ariana Baio

Speculation about a possible serial killer or link between deaths began last month when people pointed to six different potential homicide victims as being related.

Now police have linked four of the deaths together by one person of interest.

But two deaths, that of Oregon resident Joanna Speaks, 32, and an unidentified woman are not considered related to the current investigation.

Ms Speaks was found on an abandoned property in Ridgefield, Washington about 20 miles north of Portland. Authorities in the Clark County Sheriff’s Office indicated that Ms Speaks’ body may have been moved.

The other woman, who remains unidentified, was found in a neighbourhood in downtown Portland. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office indicated she may have been Native American or Native Alaskan and between the ages of 25 and 40.

Victims were found near or on the side of roads

Tuesday 18 July 2023 14:30 , Ariana Baio

All four murder victims in Portland, Oregon were found either near or on the sides of roads.

Kirstin Smith, 22, was found in a wooded area in the Pleasant Valley Neighborhood.

Charity Lynn Perry, 24, was found in a culvert near Ainsworth State Park.

Bridget Webster, 31, was found near a creek on Harmony Road in Polk County.

Ashley Real, 22, was found in a wooded area near a pond.

What is a serial killer?

Tuesday 18 July 2023 13:52 , Ariana Baio

The person of interest thought to be linked to four murders in the Portland metro area has not been described as a serial killer by authorities but the pattern of killings could possibly be defined as one.

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the term “serial killings” means a series of three or more killings, more than one was committed in the United States, that have a common characteristic to suggest the reasonable possibility the crimes were committed by the same person.

All the victims, in this case, were women between the ages of 22 and 31.

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