Portland, Oregon – Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt revealed on Friday that a grand jury has indicted Jesse Lee Calhoun, aged 39, on murder charges related to the deaths of three women whose remains were discovered in the Portland area last year. The victims, Charity Lynn Perry (24), Bridget Leanne Webster (31), and Joanna Speaks (32), were found deceased under suspicious circumstances in 2023.

Families Seek Answers

Family members, like Ariel Hamby, stepsister of Joanna Speaks, expressed a mix of emotions upon hearing the announcement. While relieved to have a name associated with the case, they lamented the lack of a clear timeline regarding the events leading up to the deaths. The families yearn for closure and a deeper understanding of the circumstances surrounding the tragic loss of their loved ones.

Clemency Raises Questions

During the timeframe in which Calhoun allegedly committed these murders, he enjoyed freedom due to the clemency granted by former Governor Kate Brown. Despite this, the indictment charges Calhoun with three counts of second-degree murder and three counts of second-degree abuse of a corpse. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office emphasized its commitment to pursuing justice for the victims and their families.

Closure for Some, Questions Remain for Others

Charity Perry’s mother, Diana Allen, expressed relief that her daughter’s death certificate could now accurately reflect the true cause of death. However, not all families received closure through the indictment. The cases of Ashley Real and Kristin Smith are still under active investigation, leaving their loved ones waiting anxiously for further developments.

Pursuit of Justice

Despite the challenges and uncertainties, families remain resilient in their pursuit of justice. Melissa Smith, mother of Kristin Smith, emphasized the importance of continuing the fight for answers and closure. The solidarity among the families and their determination to seek justice serve as a beacon of hope in the face of tragedy.

Conclusion: Seeking Answers, Pursuing Justice

As the legal process unfolds, the families affected by these tragic losses remain united in their quest for answers and justice. While indictments bring some measure of closure, the journey toward healing is ongoing. The community stands in solidarity with the affected families, hoping that lessons learned from this ordeal will prevent similar tragedies in the future.

For those with any information related to these cases, authorities urge contacting Portland Police Bureau Detective Jeff Pontius and Detective Stephen Gandy. The pursuit of justice continues, fueled by the determination to honor the memory of the victims and bring solace to their families.
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