The families of four women found dead in the Portland area are demanding answers after authorities identified Jesse Lee Calhoun, 38, as a person of interest in the seemingly connected cases. Kristin Smith, 22; Charity Lynn Perry, 24; Bridget Leann (Ramsay) Webster, 31; and Ashley Real, 22, were all found deceased between February and May of this year. While police have not explicitly confirmed a link between the deaths to the families, the timing and circumstances have raised concerns about the possibility of a serial killer.

Melissa Smith, Kristin's mother, expressed her confidence in the ongoing investigation and her determination to find justice for her daughter and the other victims. "I know she was murdered," she stated in a recent Facebook video, "and I have faith that the police department will uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice." She also emphasized the need for improved support for missing persons cases and addressing the issues of homelessness and drug use in Portland.

The grief of the families is palpable. Jose Real, Ashley Real's father, shared his heartbreak with local news, describing the void left by his daughter's death. Diana Allen, Charity Perry's mother, also expressed her hope for a thorough investigation, acknowledging the need for discretion to avoid jeopardizing the case.

Calhoun's criminal history has come under scrutiny. He has a record of theft, burglary, and other offenses, including a 2019 conviction that resulted in a four-year prison sentence. However, his sentence was commuted in 2021 by then-Governor Kate Brown, along with several other inmates, for their participation in fighting wildfires. This decision has sparked outrage and questions from the victims' families, particularly Melissa Smith, who expressed deep concern over the early release. She called for greater scrutiny in evaluating the risks posed by inmates before granting early release.

The investigation continues as authorities work to gather evidence and determine the extent of Calhoun's involvement, if any, in the deaths of these four women. The families, meanwhile, grapple with their grief and seek justice for their loved ones, while also advocating for changes to prevent similar tragedies in the future.