Suspected ‘Serial Killer’ Person of Interest in Four Portland Deaths

The bodies of Bridget Leann Webster, 31; Charity Lynn Perry, 24; Kristin Smith, 22, and Ashley Real, 22, were found in various outdoor locations, including a state park, between February and May. They are four of six women who vanished, then was found dead in the past six months. (Courtesy of the OR DMV and Family Handouts)
The bodies of Bridget Leann Webster, 31; Charity Lynn Perry, 24; Kristin Smith, 22, and Ashley Real, 22, were found in various outdoor locations, including a state park, between February and May. They are four of six women who vanished, then was found dead in the past six months. (Courtesy of the OR DMV and Family Handouts)

Investigators and prosecutors from nine different law enforcement agencies have been working collaboratively on numerous death investigations in Northwest Oregon, and they have determined that there are links between four cases: Kristin Smith, Charity Perry, Bridget Webster, and Ashley Real.

The law enforcement professionals have regularly communicated and worked collaboratively on these investigations for several months. These agencies include the Portland Police Bureau, Gresham Police DepartmentMultnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office, Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, Polk County Sheriff’s Office, Polk County District Attorney’s Office, and the Oregon State Police.

(Investigators say they have a person of interest in the deaths of four women found killed in Northwest Oregon since February, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office said Monday, July 17, 2023. Courtesy of KATU News and YouTube. Posted on Jul 17, 2023.)

No charges have yet been filed in connection with these four death investigations. Still, investigators have interviewed multiple people in connection with these cases and have identified at least one person of interest linked to all four decedents.

Based on the available information to investigators, there is not believed to be any active danger to the community at this time.

No additional information, including the nature of the information that links these four cases together, is being released at this time, as these are ongoing death investigations.

The cause and manner of death in each case remain undetermined by the Oregon State Medical Examiner.

The four ongoing investigations include:

Kristin Smith, 22

  • Vanished February 19, 2023 (Portland Police Bureau)

    • Missing report filed with the Gresham Police Department on December 22, 2022.

(The remains of Kristin Smith, 22, were found in a wooded area of a Portland neighborhood months after she was reported missing. Courtesy of KPTV FOX 12 Oregon and YouTube. Posted on May 26, 2023.)

Charity Lynn Perry, 24

  • Went missing on April 24, 2023 (Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office)

(Charity Lynn Perry, 24, was found dead in Ainsworth State Park in April. Perry is one of five women who vanished, then was found dead in the past six months. Courtesy of KGW News and YouTube. Posted on Jun 7, 2023.)

Bridget Leann (Ramsay) Webster, 31

  • Vanished April 30, 2023 –  (Polk County Sheriff’s Office)

(The women’s remains were found within 100 miles of each other in and around Portland, and in most cases, they were discovered in forested or rural areas. Courtesy of KTVB and YouTube. Posted on Jun 2, 2023.)

Ashley Real, 22

  • Went missing on May 7, 2023 (Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office)

    • Missing report filed with the Portland Police Bureau on April 4, 2023.

Investigators are seeking the public’s help in each of these investigations.

Anyone with information about the suspect or related to these cases is asked to contact the appropriate investigator or investigative agency.

Kristin Smith Case – Portland Police Bureau
Detective Jeffery Pontius – jeffery.pontius@police.portlandoregon.gov

Charity Perry Case – Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office
Sheriff’s Office Tip Line: 503-988-0560
Detective Kevin Odil – Kevin.odil@mcso.us

Bridget Webster Case – Polk County Sheriff’s Office
Detective David Shorter – shorter.david@co.polk.or.us

Ashley Real Case – Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
Tip Line: 503-723-4949
Online Tip Sheet: https://www.clackamas.us/sheriff/tip

(Jesse Lee Calhoun, a 38-year-old Oregon man with an extensive criminal history, was recently identified as a person of interest in the suspicious deaths of four women whose bodies were found between the Portland and Salem areas during the winter and spring of 2023. Authorities did not say why Calhoun was ruled a person of interest and no charges have been filed against him about the deaths at this time. Courtesy of KOIN 6 and YouTube. Posted on Jul 18, 2023.)

Anyone desiring anonymity may submit tips to Crime Stoppers of Oregon.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon offers cash rewards of up to $2,500 for information that leads to an arrest in any unsolved felony crime, and tipsters can remain anonymous.

Secure and anonymous tips may be provided at www.crimestoppersoforegon.com or visit the App Store and download P3 Tips for smartphones or tablets.

Crime Stoppers of Oregon is funded 100% by community donations.

To support Crime Stoppers of Oregon with a donation, or to view other unsolved cases, please visit http://www.crimestoppersoforegon.com/.

 

Get the Recognition You Deserve in the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program

Attendees enjoying the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony: (left to right), Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Solutions (NSS); John Boyd Assistant Director of the DHS Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM); Jim Robell, President of Fortior Solutions and the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Industry Leadership & Innovation Person of the Year; Commissioner Bill Bratton, Kym Craven, Executive Director for the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE); CBP OFO DEAC Diane Sabatino, the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Government Leadership & Innovation Person of the Year; OBIM Chief of Staff Penelope Smith; Frank Russo, CBP OFO Director of Field Operations NY & NJ; and Celinez Nunez, Assistant Director & Chief Security Officer for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).
Attendees enjoying the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Include: (left to right), Dr. Kathleen Kiernan, President of NEC National Security Solutions (NSS); John Boyd Assistant Director of the DHS Office of Biometric Identity Management (OBIM); Jim Robell, President of Fortior Solutions and the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Industry Leadership & Innovation Person of the Year; Legendary Police Commissioner Bill Bratton; Kym Craven, Executive Director for the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE); CBP OFO DEAC Diane Sabatino, the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Government Leadership & Innovation Person of the Year; OBIM Chief of Staff Penelope Smith; Frank Russo, CBP OFO Director of Field Operations NY & NJ; and Celinez Nunez, Assistant Director & Chief Security Officer for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF).

American Security Today’s Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards is the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program, and now in its Eighth Year, continues to recognize industry leaders of Physical and Border Security, Cybersecurity, Emergency Preparedness – Management and Response, Law Enforcement, First Responders, as well as federal, state and municipal government agencies in the acknowledgment of their outstanding efforts to Keep our Nation Secure.

The continually evolving ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program will highlight the trail of Accomplished Women in Leadership in 2023 and the Significance and Positive Impact of Advancing Diversity and Inclusion in our Next Generation of Government and Industry Leaders. Because #MentorshipMatters.

So be on the lookout for exciting upcoming announcements of Speakers, Presenters, Book Signing Opportunities, and Attendees at the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Presentation Luncheon on Thursday, November 16, 2023 in New York City at ISC East!

(See some highlights of the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in New York City during ISC East at the Javits Center. Courtesy of AST and YouTube.)

Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards at https://americansecuritytoday.com/ast-awards/.

Comprehensive List of Categories Include:

Access Control/ Identification Personal/Protective Equipment Law Enforcement Counter Terrorism
Perimeter Barrier/ Deterrent System Interagency Interdiction Operation Cloud Computing/Storage Solution
Facial/IRIS Recognition Body Worn Video Product Cyber Security
Video Surveillance/VMS Mobile Technology Anti-Malware
Audio Analytics Disaster Preparedness ID Management
Thermal/Infrared Camera Mass Notification System Fire & Safety
Metal/Weapon Detection Rescue Operations Critical Infrastructure
License Plate Recognition Detection Products COVID Innovations
Workforce Management Government Security Programs And Many Others to Choose From!

Don’t see a Direct Hit for your Product, Agency or Organization?

Submit your category recommendation for consideration to Michael Madsen, AST Publisher, at: mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

Homeland Security remains at the forefront of our national conversation as we experience an immigration crisis along our southern border and crime rates that are dramatically higher than before the Pandemic across the United States.

CBP K9 Team Zaskya Steros and TYKE, with Commissioner Bill Bratton at the 2022 'ASTORS' Awards Luncheon.
CBP K9 Team Zaskya Steros and TYKE, with Police Commissioner Bill Bratton at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon.

These challenges have become a national priority with an influx of investments in innovative new technologies and systems.

Enter American Security Today, the #1 publication and media platform in the Government Security and Homeland Security fields, with a circulation of over 75,000 readers and many tens of thousands more who visit our AST website at www.americansecuritytoday.com each month.

The pinnacle of the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Awards Ceremony Luncheon Banquetan exclusive, full-course plated meal event in the heart of New York City.

2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Luncheon

The 2022 exclusive sold-out ‘ASTORS’ luncheon featured representatives of law enforcement, public safety, and industry leaders who came together to honor the selfless service of those who stand on the front lines and those who stand beside them – providing the capabilities and technologies to create a safer world for generations to come.

Last year marked the 20th anniversary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), which came out in force to discuss comprehensive collaborations between private and public sectors that have led to the development of intelligence and technologies which serve to protect our nation.

Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino
Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, expresses her pride in the women and men of the CBP, and their families who support them.

The keynote address was provided by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Office of Field Operations (OFO) Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner (DEAC) Diane Sabatino, who described the changes to CBP through the tragedy of 9/11 and the relentless commitment to its mission and ongoing investment in the latest technologies and innovations to protect our borders and Homeland.

The resounding theme of the DEAC’s remarks was her pride in the women and men of the CBP and their families who support them.

Deputy Inspector Lashonda Dyce accepts a 2022 'ASTORS' Award on behalf of the NYPD TARU Unit for Excellence in Public Safety.
Deputy Inspector Lashonda Dyce accepts a 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Award on behalf of the NYPD TARU Unit for Excellence in Public Safety, joined at left by Commissioner Bill Bratton, and at right Chief of Department Kenneth Corey.

AST was also joined by Legendary Police Commissioner William Bratton, who spoke about his love for the City of New York, the Profession of law enforcement to which he has dedicated his life, and for which he continues to drive thought leadership and innovation.

New York City Police Department (NYPD) Chief of Department Kenneth Corey, came out to address Luncheon attendees and shared some of his experiences and the changes in policing he’s witnessed over his more than three decades of service.

Katherine Schweit, an attorney, security consultant, and retired FBI special agent, and former head of the FBI’s active shooter program.
Katherine Schweit, attorney, security consultant, retired FBI special agent, and former head of the FBI’s active shooter program.

FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin honored the men and women of the FDNY, not only those who currently serve but all of those who have selflessly served, with special recognition of those lost on 9/11.

Chief Jardin spoke about the continuing health battle of many following 9/11 with cancer and respiratory disease, yet now knowing the full consequences, would not have made a different decision to respond.

As Chief Jardin noted, mission-driven service is the lifeblood of every firefighter, volunteer, and sworn member, and has been so throughout the history of the Fire Service.

Former head of the FBI’s active shooter program, Katherine Schweit joined AST to sign complimentary copies of her book, STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis, thanks to the generosity of our 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Sponsors. 

The 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program is Proudly Sponsored by Platinum Event Sponsor: NEC National Security Systems (NSS)

NEC NSS

(Hear directly from Keith Terreri, Executive Vice President of Enterprise Services and Business Operations at NEC Corporation of America, on why NEC supports the Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program and the value NEC receives for participating in the preeminent U.S. Homeland Security Awards Program. Courtesy of NEC, American Security Today, and YouTube.)

And Our RETURNING Premier Sponsors:

ATI Systems, Automatic Systems of America,

IPVideo Corporation, Rajant Corporation, RX Global, SIMS Software, and American Security Today!

In 2022, AST was pleased to welcome the esteemed New York City Fire Department (FDNY); the New York City Police Department (NYPD); and the NYC Hospital Police,  as well as Executive Management from the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and many other DHS agencies, Federal law enforcement agencies, and private/public partnerships such as the National Association of Women Law Enforcement Executives (NAWLEE), the 30×30 Initiative, a coalition of professionals advancing the representation of women in policing; and Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) (rail safety advocates).

The FDNY was honored in the 2022 'ASTORS' Awards Program for Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response.
The FDNY was honored in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program for Excellence in Public Safety and Critical Incident Response, accepted by FDNY Chief Joseph Jardin and Deputy Assistant Chief Frank Leeb.

The prestigious Annual ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Program highlights the most cutting-edge and forward-thinking security solutions coming onto the market today, to ensure our readers have the information they need to stay ahead of the competition and keep our Nation safe – one facility, street, and city at a time.

Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI’s active shooter program speaks with 'ASTORS' Attendees and autographs copies of 'STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis.'
Katherine Schweit, former head of the FBI’s active shooter program speaks with ‘ASTORS’ Attendees and autographs copies of ‘STOP THE KILLING: How to End the Mass Shooting Crisis.’

In 2022 over 240 distinguished guests representing Federal, State, and Local Governments and Industry Leading Corporate Firms gathered from across North America, Europe, and the Middle East to be honored among their peers in their respective fields.

Each year, to keep our communities safe and secure, security dealers, installers, integrators, and consultants, along with corporate, government, and law enforcement/first responder practitioners, convene in New York City to network, learn and evaluate the latest technologies and solutions from premier exhibiting brands at ISC East, the Natural Disaster & Emergency Management Expo (NDEM EXPO), and the ASIS NYC Expo.

ISC East is the Northeast’s leading security & public safety event, hosted in collaboration with sponsor Security Industry Association (SIA) and in partnership with ASIS NYC.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) was Honored at the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Homeland Security Awards Ceremony and Banquet Luncheon in New York City, featuring OFO DEAC Diane Sabatino and Director of Field Operations NY Area Frank Russo (at center).

Corporate firms, the majority of which return year to year to build upon their Legacy of Wins, include:

Advanced Detection Technologies, AMAROK, ATI SystemsAxis Communications, Automatic Systems, BriefCam, Canon U.S.A., Cellbusters, CornellCookson, CyberArk  Fortior Solutions, guardDog.ai, Hanwha Techwin of America, High Rise Escape Systems, IPVideo Corporation, Konica Minolta Business Solutions, NEC National Security Systems, NICE Public Safety, OnSolve, PureTech Systems, Quantum Corporation, Rave Mobile Safety, Regroup Mass Notification, Robotic Assistance Devices, Rajant Corporation, SafeLogic, Select Engineering Services LLCSinglewire Software, SolarWinds Worldwide, Teledyne FLIR, Valor Systems, and West Virginia American Access Control Systems, just to name a few!

Why American Security Today?

The traditional security marketplace has long been covered by a host of publications putting forward the old-school basics to what is Today – a fast-changing security landscape.

American Security Today is uniquely focused on the broader Homeland Security & Public Safety marketplace with over 75,000 readers at the Federal, State, and local levels of government and firms allied to the government.

American Security Today brings forward a fresh, compelling look and read with our customized digital publications that hold readers’ eyes throughout the story with cutting-edge editorial that provides solutions to their challenges.

Harness the Power of the Web – with our 100% Mobile Friendly Publications

AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.
AST puts forward the Largest and Most Qualified Circulation in Government with Over 75,000 readers on the Federal, State and Local levels.

AST Digital Publications are distributed to over 75,000 qualified government and homeland security professionals in federal, state, local, and private security sectors.

‘PROTECTING OUR NATION, ONE CITY AT A TIME’

AST Reaches both Private & Public Experts, which is essential to meeting these new challenges.

Today’s new generation of public safety and security experts need real-time knowledge to deal with domestic and international terrorism, lone wolf attacks, unprecedented urban violence, shifts in society, culture, and media bias – making it increasingly difficult for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Military and Private Security Professionals to implement coordinated security measures to ensure national security and improve public safety.

American Security Today

These experts are from Government at the federal, state, and local levels as well as from private firms allied to the government.

AST provides a full plate of topics in our AST Monthly Magazine Editions, AST Website, and AST Daily News Alerts, covering 23 Vital Sectors such as Access Control, Perimeter Protection, Video Surveillance/Analytics, Airport Security, Border Security, CBRNE Detection, Border Security, Ports, Cybersecurity, Networking Security, Encryption, Law Enforcement, First Responders, Campus Security, Security Services, Corporate Facilities, and Emergency Response among others.

AST has Expanded readership into integral Critical Infrastructure audiences such as Protection of Nuclear Facilities, Water Plants & Dams, Bridges & Tunnels, and other potential targets of terrorism.

Other areas of concern include Transportation Hubs, Public Assemblies, Government Facilities, Sporting & Concert Stadiums, our Nation’s Schools & Universities, and Commercial Business Destinations – all enticing targets due to the large number of persons and resources clustered together.

To learn more, please see the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS Edition Fully Interactive Magazine – the Best Products of 2022 ‘A Year in Review.’

The Annual CHAMPIONS edition reviews ‘ASTORS’ Award Winning products and programs, highlighting key details on many of the winning firm’s products and services, including video interviews and more.

The 2022 CHAMPIONS serves as your Go-To Source through the year for The Best of 2022 Products and Services endorsed by American Security Today – and can satisfy your agency’s and/or organization’s most pressing Homeland Security and Public Safety needs.

From Physical Security (Access Control, Critical Infrastructure, Perimeter Protection, and Video Surveillance Cameras and Video Management Systems), to IT Security (Cybersecurity, Encryption, Data Storage, Anti-Malware, and Networking Security – to name a few), the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ CHAMPIONS EDITION has what you need to Detect, Delay, Respond to, and Mitigate today’s real-time threats in our constantly evolving security landscape.

It also features guest editorial pieces from some of the security industry’s most respected leaders and recognized firms in the 2022 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program.

For more information on All Things American Security Today, as well as the 2023 ‘ASTORS’ Awards Program, please contact Michael Madsen, AST Publisher at mmadsen@americansecuritytoday.com.

AST strives to meet a 3 STAR trustworthiness rating, based on the following criteria:

  • Provides named sources
  • Reported by more than one notable outlet
  • Includes supporting video, direct statements, or photos

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