Authorities in Oregon have confirmed that the deaths of four women, whose bodies were found in wooded areas in the north-western part of the state, are linked. The police have also identified “at least one person of interest” in connection to the case, raising fears of a potential serial killer in the region.
The discovery of the women’s bodies, all of whom were under 40 and had connections to the Portland area, has sparked concerns among the public. The cases initially did not appear to be connected, but the district attorney’s office surprised many when they revealed that four of the deaths were in fact linked, though they did not explicitly refer to the perpetrator as a “serial killer”.
The women, identified as Kristin Smith, Charity Perry, Bridget Webster, and Ashley Real, were all found in secluded areas within a 100-mile range over three months. Despite the connections between the cases, the state medical examiner has not yet determined the cause or manner of death for any of the women.
While the Multnomah County DA’s office in Portland has assured that the community is not currently in danger, no charges have been filed against anyone in connection to the deaths. However, reports have surfaced identifying the person of interest as 38-year-old Jesse Lee Calhoun, who has been in custody on unspecified charges since early July.
The families of the victims, as well as the local community, are grappling with the shock and grief caused by the tragic loss of their loved ones. The series of deaths has sent ripples of fear and unease through the affected areas, prompting authorities and the public to remain vigilant as the investigation into the matter continues.