Portland, OR – A suspected serial killer already facing charges for the murders of three women has now been indicted for a fourth homicide, according to officials with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. The indictment marks a chilling new development in a case that has shaken communities across Oregon and Washington.
Fourth Victim Identified as Kristin Smith
Jesse Lee Calhoun, 40, is now facing second-degree murder and abuse of a corpse charges in the death of 22-year-old Kristin Smith, who was reported missing in December 2022. Her remains were discovered in February 2023, and investigators had long suspected her death was linked to the same pattern as Calhoun’s other alleged victims.
District Attorney Nathan Vasquez announced the new indictment during a Tuesday press conference, calling it a “very important and visible step” toward justice. Details about the evidence leading to this latest charge were not publicly disclosed.
Previous Indictments Involving Three Other Women
Calhoun has been in custody at Inverness Jail since June 2024, when he pleaded not guilty to the murders of:
- Charity Lynn Perry, 24
- Bridget Leanne Webster, 31
- Joanna Speaks, 32
All three were found dead in April 2023, in separate locations, under circumstances prosecutors deemed highly suspicious.
Potential Links to Fifth Death Still Under Review
In addition to the four confirmed cases, authorities are still investigating Calhoun’s potential involvement in the death of a fifth woman, Ashley Real, 22, whose body was discovered in May 2023. While Real’s case has not yet resulted in charges, investigators believe her death may also be connected to the same timeline.
“We have a very long road ahead,” said Prosecutor Melissa Moreno, calling the reindictment a “significant milestone” in the case.
Timeline of Victims and Investigation
Authorities reported that the bodies of five women were discovered in Oregon and Washington over a three-month span in 2023:
- Kristin Smith – Found in February
- Charity Perry, Bridget Webster, Joanna Speaks – Found in April
- Ashley Real – Found in May
At least one of the women was reportedly killed in one location and dumped elsewhere. The Clark County Medical Examiner confirmed that Joanna Speaks died from blunt force trauma to the head and neck, but the causes of death for the other victims remain sealed.
Calhoun’s Criminal History and Clemency
Before these indictments, Calhoun had a prior criminal record involving burglary and theft. He was granted clemency in 2021 by then-Governor Kate Brown after volunteering as a wildfire firefighter in 2020. However, he was later arrested in June 2023 on unrelated parole violations — placing him back in custody before the murder charges were filed.
Calhoun now faces four counts of second-degree murder and four counts of abuse of a corpse. His trial is expected in 2027.
What do you think should happen in cases like this where early clemency may have had deadly consequences? Share your thoughts.
