Between late 2022 and 2023, five women disappeared across the Portland, Oregon area. Months later, their remains were discovered in separate locations across Multnomah County, Clackamas County, and nearby communities. Now, prosecutors allege the deaths are connected to one man: Jesse Lee Calhoun.
But with the investigation still unfolding, authorities believe there could be more victims, and many questions remain unanswered.
As Crime Junkie explores the headlines, breaking news reporter Briana Whitney examines the timeline of the alleged “Portland 5” murders through the voices of the victims’ families, court records, and public investigative updates.
You’ll hear about the disappearances of Kristin Smith, Charity Perry, Bridget Webster, Ashley Real, and Joanna Speaks, how investigators gradually connected multiple homicide investigations across Oregon and Washington, the criminal history of Jesse Lee Calhoun and the events leading to his arrest, why several victims’ families say they spent years fighting for answers, the series of grand jury indictments filed between 2024 and 2026, and why investigators believe this case may still be growing.
This investigation also explores the challenges of investigating multiple homicide cases across different jurisdictions, questions surrounding parole decisions and early release, the emotional impact on the families searching for justice, the unidentified woman whose case investigators continue to examine, and what comes next as prosecutors prepare for trial.
Authorities have also asked for the public’s help identifying an additional unidentified woman whose remains were discovered in Portland, Oregon, in April 2023. If you have any information on any possible additional victims of Jesse Lee Calhoun, please contact the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. You can also email us tips to tips@audiochuck.com.
Jesse Lee Calhoun has been indicted in multiple homicide cases. The criminal proceedings are ongoing, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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Thank you for covering this! ❤
Us local crime junkies knew these cases were related. I hate that the victims families went through hell to get answers they already knew. Such a shame.
No way, I remember seeing these local posts on Facebook as they were going missing…
Born and raised in Oregon – unfortunately the judicial climate of Multnomah Co. (which is where Portland is) does not have a good reputation for going after most criminals. I keep hoping and wishing this will change but so far it has not. Gov Brown and now Gov Kotek don’t see any problem with the way the police ignore these issues. I feel bad for these families and friends, who had to get the evidence and force law enforcement to listen. I am still hoping Portland will get with it to dig into Kyron Horman’s case and maybe his killer to justice as well.
I remember when this was going down living in the Portland metro as a 5’2 and 100lb girlie. Got told more than once that I needed to be careful walking by myself because there was a serial killer that no one wanted to talk about.
Great reporting, Briana 🙌🏼