Jesse Lee Calhoun, 39, was indicted this month by an Oregon grand jury on three counts of second-degree murder and three counts of second-degree abuse of a court. The charges stem from the discovery of multiple bodies in the Portland, Oregon area over a year ago.
The Timeline of Discoveries and Calhoun’s Connection
The investigation began on February 19, 2023, when the body of 22-year-old Kristen Smith was found in Portland. Months later, the remains of other women were discovered in various locations:
- March 2023: 32-year-old Joanna Speaks was found north of Portland in Clark County.
- April 24, 2023: 24-year-old Charity Perry’s body was discovered in an Anworth State Park.
- April 30, 2023: The body of 31-year-old Bridget Webster was found in Polk County.
- May 7, 2023: The remains of 22-year-old Ashley Real were recovered in Eagle Creek.
While an additional body was found, investigators determined it was not related to the other cases.
Jesse Calhoun was identified as a suspect in July 2023, but only formally indicted in connection with the deaths of Charity Perry, Bridget Webster, and Joanna Speaks this month.
Inside the Grand Jury Proceedings
While grand jury proceedings are confidential, legal experts speculate that prosecutors presented various forms of evidence, including:
- Eyewitness Testimonies: Individuals with direct knowledge of Calhoun’s actions or the victims’ whereabouts.
- Statements from the Defendant: Any admissions or incriminating remarks made by Calhoun.
- DNA Evidence: Linking Calhoun to the victims or the locations where the bodies were found.
- Circumstantial Evidence: Establishing Calhoun’s presence at significant locations and times, potentially to the exclusion of others.
This evidence, which will likely be presented at trial, led the grand jury to indict Calhoun on the three murder charges.
Understanding Second-Degree Murder Charges
The specific charges of second-degree murder suggest that the prosecution may not yet have determined if the murders were premeditated or if aggravating factors like rape or robbery were involved. Such factors could escalate the charges to aggravated or first-degree murder.
Unanswered Questions and Investigative Strategies
Many aspects of the case remain unclear. The cause of death for each woman and Calhoun’s potential motives have not been released. Investigators often withhold such information to avoid jeopardizing the investigation, protect evidence, or potentially elicit a confession from the accused.
Linking the victims, who varied in age and were found across a wide geographical area, points to the possibility of Calhoun targeting vulnerable women in locations where they were unlikely to be found quickly. Investigators may be using various methods to establish connections, including:
- DNA Analysis: Comparing DNA found on the victims or at the crime scenes to Calhoun’s DNA.
- Digital Footprint: Examining phone records, location data, and online activity to identify communication or connections between Calhoun and the victims.
- Victimology: Analyzing the victims’ backgrounds, lifestyles, and routines to uncover any shared characteristics or connections to Calhoun.
Expanding the Search and the Possibility of More Victims
Given the potential for additional victims and the possibility that Calhoun may have crossed state lines, investigators are likely cooperating with agencies in neighboring California and Washington state. Information sharing among jurisdictions is crucial in serial murder cases to identify patterns, track movements, and potentially uncover more crimes.
Calhoun’s Clemency: A Shocking Twist
Adding to the complexity of the case is Calhoun’s previous grant of clemency by former Oregon Governor Kate Brown. Calhoun was serving time for an unrelated crime but was granted early release for his contributions to firefighting efforts during the 2020 wildfires. While this decision was made without knowledge of the murder investigation, it raises questions about the clemency process and the potential risks of releasing individuals who may pose a danger to society.
The Road Ahead: Justice and Uncovering the Truth
As the case progresses, Calhoun will be transferred to the Multnomah County Detention Center for his arraignment, where he will formally face the charges against him. This will mark the beginning of the legal process, during which the prosecution will need to prove Calhoun’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
While the arrest of Jesse Lee Calhoun may bring some relief to the Portland community, the investigation is far from over. Authorities continue to seek answers and justice for the victims and their families, working diligently to unravel the full extent of Calhoun’s alleged crimes and ensure that he is held accountable for his actions.
