The Pacific Northwest has been home to some of history’s most prolific serial killers, but police in Portland, Oregon, are trying to shut down “online rumors” that the recent deaths of several women are connected.
Six women have been found dead within 100 miles of each other between February 19 and May 7, sparking fear that a serial killer may be on the loose. In a press release issued on Monday, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) said that those rumors have led to “anxiety and fear” in the community, but that “the speculation is not supported by the facts available at this point.”
“While any premature death is concerning, and we will diligently investigate deaths that happen in our jurisdiction in collaboration with the Multnomah County and Oregon State Medical Examiner’s offices, PPB has no reason to believe these 6 cases are connected,” the statement continued.
The police noted that the deaths of Kristin Smith, 22, and Ashley Real, 22, are still being investigated, and a cause of death has not been determined in either case. In a third case, the body of an unidentified woman believed to be between the age of 25 and 40 and possibly of Native American or Native Alaskan descent was found in a tent. Police said there is no indication of foul play, but a medical examiner is still determining the cause of death.
The PPB said it is not actively participating in the investigations of the other three deaths but has spoken to the agencies working on them.
“We ask that our community be aware of the facts about these cases before sharing speculation,” the statement said. “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.”
Smith was the first woman found. She had been reported missing on December 22, 2022, and her remains were found in Multnomah County, Oregon, in February. More than a month later, ABC News reported, Clark County police found the body of Joanna Speaks, 32, on an abandoned property. Of the six women recently found dead, Speaks is the only one who has been determined to be a homicide so far.
On April 24, Multnomah County authorities found the body of Charity Lynn Perry, 24, in a culvert. Police are investigating the case as a suspicious death. That same day, law enforcement found the body of an unidentified woman in a tent.
A week later, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office found the body of Bridget Leann Webster, which authorities are investigating as a suspicious death.
Finally, Real’s remains were found on May 7 in a wooded area in Clackamas County. She had been last seen in March.
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