The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office announced on Friday that Jesse Calhoun, a 39-year-old man imprisoned in Oregon, has been indicted on three counts of murder in the second degree and three counts of abuse of a corpse in connection with the deaths of three women whose bodies were found in the Portland area last year. The victims were identified as Charity Lynn Perry, Bridget Leanne Webster, and Joanna Speaks. The district attorney revealed that investigations are ongoing and there have been two other women found dead under suspicious circumstances in the Portland area last year, with one additional woman’s death being determined not to have been a homicide.
The announcement came after the district attorney’s office had linked four of the deaths, including those of Perry and Webster, and believed that Calhoun was connected to these cases. Calhoun, who had been imprisoned since July of 2023 on unrelated charges, was set to be released in early June according to Department of Corrections records. The grand jury voted to indict him on murder charges in connection with the deaths of the three women. However, the specific nature of Calhoun’s relationship with the victims was not disclosed during the news conference held by officials. An arraignment date for Calhoun has not yet been set, and it is unclear if he has legal representation to speak on his behalf regarding the murder cases.
The community in Portland was shaken by the discovery of the bodies of the three women and others in the area, leading to fear and anxiety among residents. Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell stated that the indictment against Calhoun represents a significant step toward justice for the victims and their families. Diana Allen, the mother of Charity Lynn Perry, expressed frustration over the lack of information shared by investigators but also acknowledged the hard work put in by detectives on the case. She reassured the public that progress was being made, despite the silence surrounding the investigation.
The district attorney’s office emphasized that investigations into the deaths of the women are ongoing and that there is still work to be done to bring closure to the families affected by the tragedies. The indictment of Calhoun on murder charges marks a significant development in the case, but authorities continue to look into the other suspicious deaths that occurred in the Portland area last year. The announcement of the charges against Calhoun serves as a reassurance to the community and the victims’ families that justice is being pursued in these cases, despite the fear and uncertainty that has prevailed since the discovery of the bodies.
The investigation into the deaths of the three women and other individuals found under suspicious circumstances has been a priority for law enforcement officials in the Portland area. The announcement of the indictment against Calhoun sheds light on the progress made in bringing those responsible for the crimes to justice. While questions remain and the community continues to grapple with the impact of these tragic deaths, the district attorney’s office and law enforcement agencies are committed to pursuing justice and providing answers to the families of the victims. The hard work and dedication of detectives and investigators involved in the case have been crucial in making advancements and seeking accountability for the deaths that have caused fear and concern in the Portland area.
