Man Accused of Killing 3 Women Now Charged With Fourth Murder
PORTLAND, OREGON — A man accused of killing three women and dumping their bodies after being granted early release from prison is now facing a fourth murder charge, according to authorities in Multnomah County.
Jesse Lee Calhoun, 40, was indicted this week in the murder of 22-year-old Kristin Smith, whose remains were discovered in February 2023, just months after she was reported missing in December 2022. Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez made the announcement during a press conference held Tuesday.
Calhoun had previously been indicted in June 2024 for the murders of Charity Lynn Perry (24), Bridget Leanne Webster (31), and Joanna Speaks (32). The women were found dead in various locations across Oregon and Washington in 2023. The killings were initially investigated as separate incidents before authorities began to draw connections between them.
At the time of the original indictment, Smith’s case was already under active investigation due to similarities in timing and circumstances. On Tuesday, prosecutors confirmed that the evidence warranted a formal charge of second-degree murder and second-degree abuse of a corpse in Smith’s death.
Timeline of Disappearances and Discoveries
- Kristin Smith: Reported missing in December 2022; body found February 2023
- Charity Lynn Perry, Bridget Leanne Webster, Joanna Speaks: Bodies found in April 2023
- Ashley Real: Found dead in May 2023; not yet linked by charges to Calhoun
Prosecutors noted that all five women were discovered under suspicious circumstances, often in rural or isolated areas, and some may have been killed elsewhere and later dumped.
Though the exact causes of death have not been publicly released for most victims, the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office determined that Joanna Speaks died from blunt head and neck trauma.
Calhoun’s Criminal History and Early Release
At the time of his 2023 arrest, Jesse Calhoun had already been in Multnomah County’s Inverness Jail since June 2023, held on unrelated parole violations.
Significantly, Calhoun had been granted clemency by former Oregon Governor Kate Brown in 2021, following his voluntary service as a firefighter during the devastating 2020 Oregon wildfires. Prior to his release, Calhoun had been serving time for burglary and theft.
His early release and the subsequent charges have sparked controversy over Oregon’s clemency policies and how risk assessments are conducted before granting early freedom to inmates.
More Victims Possible, Trial Set for 2027
During the press conference, DA Vasquez referred to the new indictment as a “very important and visible step” toward justice for Smith and the other victims.
Prosecutor Melissa Moreno emphasized that this is still an evolving case.
“We have a very long road ahead,” she said, adding that a trial is not expected until 2027 due to the complexity of the investigation and volume of evidence.
Authorities have not ruled out the possibility that Calhoun may be linked to additional murders, including the unsolved death of Ashley Real, 22, whose body was found in May 2023.
While no charges have yet been filed in connection with Real’s death, investigators continue to review forensic evidence and timelines for connections.
Current Charges and Outlook
Jesse Calhoun now faces:
- 4 counts of second-degree murder
- 4 counts of abuse of a corpse
As the investigation widens, Oregon officials remain under scrutiny for the decision to release Calhoun early. Families of the victims continue to seek justice while awaiting a lengthy and likely high-profile trial.
