(NewsNation) — Authorities in Oregon have indicted Jesse Lee Calhoun, 39, in the deaths of three women who died under mysterious circumstances.
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office announced Calhoun is being charged with murder in the death of Charity Lynn Perry, 24; Bridget Leanne Webster, 31; and Joanna Speaks, 32. The long investigation has frustrated some in the area as well as the families seeking justice for their loved ones.
“They cared more for justice for Charity than they did for my feelings, and I have to have respect for that,” said Diana Allen, Perry’s mother, of investigators.
The women were among five who were found dead in 2023, all within 100 miles of Portland and all under 35, prompting fears of a serial killer. Police initially said the deaths were not related, then later said some were connected.
Calhoun was also considered a person of interest in the deaths of Kristin Smith, 22, and Ashley Real, 22, but has not been charged in those killings at this time. The body of a sixth woman who was found is not being investigated as a homicide at this time.
Authorities confirmed investigations are still ongoing into the deaths of Smith and Real and that additional information could lead to additional charges.
“We just keep going, we keep waiting, we keep praying,” said Melissa Smith, Kristin Smith’s mother. “We stay hopeful that soon we can get justice for them as well.”
Allen added that the families of the three women whose deaths Calhoun is charged with are continuing to stand by the families of Smith and Real.
Investigators offered few details into the case, not sharing how the women knew each other or what details led them to suspect Calhoun.
He is facing three counts of murder in the second degree and three counts of abuse of a corpse in the second degree. Calhoun is currently in police custody on an unrelated charge and will be transferred to the Multnomah County jail at some point in the future.
NewsNation spoke to Calhoun’s ex-girlfriend, who shared more information about his behavior and how she feels about the allegations.
Anyone with information on Calhoun is asked to contact the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.