Authorities Reverse Earlier Stance, Linking Deaths of Four Oregon Women Over Three Months

In a surprising turn of events, authorities have reversed their initial assessment and now state that the deaths of four women in northwest Oregon are connected. Initially, law enforcement believed the cases to be unrelated, but on Monday, prosecutors made a significant revelation, disclosing that they have identified “at least one person of interest” in connection with the incidents.

According to a statement from the prosecutor’s office, the state medical examiner has not yet determined the cause or manner of death for any of the women. While the connection between the deaths was announced, officials refrained from explicitly using the term “serial killer.”

This announcement represents a stark departure from the Portland Police Bureau’s previous statement on June 4, which suggested that six deaths did not appear to be linked. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s office in Portland now confirms that four of these deaths are indeed connected.

“Investigators and prosecutors from multiple law enforcement agencies have been working collaboratively,” the prosecutor’s office stated, “and they have determined that there are links between four cases: Kristin Smith, Charity Perry, Bridget Webster, and Ashley Real.”

The district attorney’s office further revealed that numerous individuals have been interviewed in connection with these cases, and they have identified at least one person of interest who is linked to all four deaths.

However, it is important to note that no charges have been filed against anyone at this time, and the community is not currently at risk, as per the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office. Local media reports suggest that a man is currently in custody in relation to these incidents.

The bodies of the deceased women were discovered between February 19 and May 7 in various locations, including Portland and rural areas. One of the bodies was found approximately 45 miles (72 kilometers) southwest of Portland, near a creek in Polk County.

The first body found belonged to Kristin Smith, 22, discovered in a wooded area in a suburb southeast of Portland. Smith had been reported missing to the police in suburban Gresham on December 22, 2022. Family members, desperately searching for Kristin at the time, described the experience as feeling like a part of them was missing.

Charity Perry, 24, was found deceased on April 24 near a state park alongside the Columbia River, east of Portland. Bridget Webster, 31, was discovered on April 30 near Mill Creek in rural northwest Polk County. Ashley Real, 22, was last seen at a fast-food restaurant near Portland on March 27, and her body was found on May 7 in a forest southeast of the city. She had been reported missing on April 4.

Collaborating in the investigation are nine law enforcement agencies, including the prosecutor’s offices from three Oregon counties and the Oregon State Police.

This story has been updated to correct the location where two of the women’s bodies were discovered. While two of the women were from Gresham and Milwaukie, the bodies were found elsewhere in rural areas.

Boone reported from Boise, Idaho.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about serial killer investigation

More about serial killer investigation

• OregonLive – Deaths of four women over three months are linked, authorities say, reversing earlier call
• KPTV – Four deaths of women in NW Oregon now connected, DA’s office says
• KGW8 – Deaths of four women found in northwest Oregon linked, officials say
• The Seattle Times – Four deaths of women found in northwest Oregon now connected, DA’s office says
• The Register-Guard – Deaths of 4 women in NW Oregon over 3 months linked, person of interest identified