Suspected Serial Killer Accused of Murdering 4 Women Now Charged Over Fifth Death

**Portland Man Charged with Five Murders in Series of Gruesome Crimes**

In a troubling development, Jesse Lee Calhoun, a 41-year-old man, was arraigned on a new murder charge in Portland, Oregon, on Wednesday, June 3. Calhoun, already facing accusations in the deaths of four women, is now linked to a fifth victim, as authorities continue to grapple with the implications of this case.

The latest victim identified is 22-year-old Ashley Real, whose murder is believed to have occurred around March 27, 2023. This charge was outlined in a release issued by the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office just days before Calhoun’s arraignment. In total, Calhoun faces five counts of second-degree murder along with four counts of corpse abuse, which adds a layer of complexity to what is already a deeply disturbing series of events.

During his court appearance, Calhoun reportedly showed no signs of emotion as he listened to the charges against him. His attorney entered a plea of not guilty on his behalf. The absence of visible emotion was noted by multiple news outlets, raising questions about the psychological state of the accused.

The string of murders has shocked the local community, particularly as the victims were discovered in secluded wooded areas surrounding Portland in early 2023. Speculation arose during this period regarding the possibility of a serial killer targeting vulnerable young women. The grim situation prompted widespread media coverage, capturing the attention of both local and national audiences.

Calhoun was already indicted for the murders of Charity Lynn Perry, 24, Bridget Leanne Webster, 31, and Joanna Speaks, 32, prior to the latest charge. Their bodies, like Real’s, were also found under suspicious circumstances in the same timeframe. In addition, Calhoun had previously been charged in connection with the death of Kristin Smith, who was reportedly murdered on or about November 20, 2022.

While Real, Perry, Webster, and Smith were discovered in northwestern Oregon, Speaks was located in southwestern Washington state, near an abandoned barn. This geographical spread of the crime scenes has further intensified the fear surrounding the case, with many residents left feeling unsettled.

Following the arraignment, Real’s father, Jose Real, spoke poignantly to reporters about the pain his family has endured in the wake of his daughter’s tragic death. Through a Spanish interpreter, he shared his sorrow, expressing disbelief that such a tragedy could occur within his family. “She had a heart of gold,” he said, reflecting the profound loss his family continues to navigate.

Masciell Real, Ashley’s sister, also commented on the court proceedings, indicating that seeing Calhoun behind bars provided some relief. “It takes the weight off my shoulders knowing that he isn’t around and free to cause any harm to any other women out there,” she stated, yet she poignantly reminded those present that it would not erase the fact that her sister is gone.

Similarly, Melissa Smith, the mother of another victim, Kristin Smith, conveyed her own grief. “We’ve all experienced the worst thing that could ever happen to you,” she lamented, expressing empathy towards the other families affected by this tragedy. The emotional toll is felt deeply by all connected to the case.

At present, Calhoun remains in custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center, with no trial date set. As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, the community remains on edge, grappling with the harsh reality of the events that have transpired and the painful losses that families are left to bear.

Local authorities and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office are expected to provide further updates as the case progresses, as members of the public express both outrage and sorrow over these unsettling crimes. The quest for justice for the victims and their families is an ongoing and critical component of the narrative surrounding this harrowing case.