Tracking the Portland 'serial killer': Mysterious deaths of six women spark fears of fatal pattern
PORTLAND, OREGON: The unsettling discovery of six women's remains in and around Portland has reportedly fuelled fears that a suspected serial killer may be on the loose around the region. The bodies of Kristin Smith, Joanna Speaks, Bridget Webster, Charity Perry, Ashley Real and an unnamed sixth woman were discovered by police between February 19 and May 7.
The six victims, all under the age of 40, were reportedly found within 100 miles of one another, in suspicious circumstances by the roadside, in decrepit barns or hidden among bushes. Police have only released the cause of death of one victim, who died due to blunt force injuries to the head and neck. They are yet to release information on how the other five women died. It is unclear what the victims have in common. As the investigation progresses, here are five things you need to know about the case.
Six women found dead within three months
Smith 22, who was reported missing in late December 2022, was the first victim whose remains were found by authorities on February 19. Nearly two months later, 32-year-old Speaks, a mother-of-three and recovering drug addict, was found dead at an abandoned barn in Ridgefield on April 8. Following that, an unnamed Alaskan woman and 24-year-old Perry were discovered on the same day, April 24. The fifth victim was 31-year-old Webster, whose remains were discovered on April 30. The last body to be found was that of 22-year-old Real on May 7.
Victims’ remains found within 100 miles of one another
The first victim Smith’s remains were discovered in Pleasant Valley, next to a crossroads, in a forested area while Speaks' body was discovered at an abandoned barn in Ridgefield. Perry’s body was discovered in Ainsworth State Park and a few days later unidentified Native woman’s remains were found inside a tent near an interstate. Webster, who was known to frequent central Portland, was apparently discovered dead in Polk County. Not far away from Perry, a fisherman in Eagle Creek discovered Real’s body in a densely forested area.
Three of six women’s 'personal histories share similarities'
Currently, Detectives are investigating any ties that could exist between Speaks, Perry, and Webster. Sources told Oregon Live the three women "had been known to frequent Southeast 82nd Avenue and an area near the Clackamas Town Center." The tipster further revealed that Speaks, Perry and Webster's "personal histories share similarities." "It was premature to state that these deaths are unrelated or related," sources said, adding, "Investigators always look for commonalities with unsolved homicides."
Only one of the cases is being investigated as a homicide
Authorities previously revealed that only Speaks’ death was being investigated as a homicide. As per the Clark County Sheriff's Office, her death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head and neck, and her body was transported to the spot where it was discovered. Sergeant Chris Skidmore of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, recently noted, “There was an update. They did rule the death a homicide. I believe it was blunt force trauma or blunt head and neck injuries." The other four are being looked into as suspicious deaths, and in one of the cases, police said that there was no foul play.
Portland officials shut down speculation of a serial killer
On Sunday, June 18, the Portland Police Bureau in Oregon firmly refuted claims of a suspected serial killer, declaring "online rumors" to be false. “PPB has no reason to believe these 6 cases are connected,” their statement read, adding, “We ask that our community be aware of the facts about these cases before sharing speculation. PPB is assuring our community that if we learn of an articulable danger, we will notify the public about it. PPB will continue to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to ensure we are doing all we can to pursue justice for any and all crime victims.”