SALEM, Ore. — The bodies of four women found in wooded areas in northwest Oregon in February are now being linked by prosecutors, who say “at least one person of interest” has been identified.
Initially, police did not believe the cases were connected. However, an about-face by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office in Portland revealed that investigators have concluded that four of the deaths are linked.
The state medical examiner has not determined the cause or manner of death for any of the women. Despite this, investigators and prosecutors from multiple law enforcement agencies have determined that there are links between the cases of Kristin Smith, Charity Perry, Bridget Webster, and Ashley Real.
The District Attorney’s office also disclosed that they have interviewed multiple people in connection with these cases and have identified at least one person of interest linked to all four women. Local media have reported that a man is in custody, specifically identifying Jesse Lee Calhoun, a 38-year-old man with an extensive criminal history, as the person of interest.
While no charges have been filed against anyone, the community is not currently in any danger, according to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office. These developments have led to online reports of a serial killer, prompting concerns and fears. However, officials did not explicitly use those words in announcing the connections among the deaths.
The bodies of the women were found in Portland and rural areas between February 19 and May 7, 2023, with the first body being discovered in December 2022. Family members have expressed the devastating impact of their loved ones’ deaths, highlighting the emotional toll and personal impact of these tragedies.
These developments have prompted investigations from nine law enforcement agencies, including the prosecutor’s offices in three Oregon counties and the Oregon State Police, emphasizing the collaborative effort to identify and apprehend those responsible for these tragic deaths.