Murder Suspect Faces Fifth Charge in Portland Killings

A man accused of killing several women and disposing of their bodies in the Portland area appeared in court on Wednesday for a fifth murder charge. Jesse Calhoun’s attorney pleaded not guilty on his behalf during the arraignment held in Portland. Family members of the deceased were present as Calhoun remained silent. His recent indictment involves the 2023 death of Ashley Real, aged 22.

Calhoun faces five counts of second-degree murder, along with four charges of corpse abuse. Victims’ bodies were discovered over multiple months in early 2023, causing fears that a serial killer was preying on young women in the area. Prior indictments concerned the deaths of Kristin Smith, 22; Charity Perry, 24; Bridget Webster, 31; and Joanna Speaks, 32.

Real, Perry, Webster, and Smith were found in northwestern Oregon, whereas Speaks’ body was located near an abandoned barn in southwestern Washington. These locations formed a roughly 100-mile radius, including wooded areas and a culvert. Calhoun’s presence in court was marked by the absence of any statement from him.

Ashley Real’s father, Jose Real, expressed concern last year when his daughter came home with marks on her neck and told him Calhoun had choked her. Law enforcement was notified, yet the case became challenging when transferred to another jurisdiction. Ashley Real’s body was discovered in May 2023 by a fisherman southeast of Portland.

Calhoun’s June 2023 arrest for separate parole violations led to his later indictments in the women’s deaths in 2024 and 2025. His first indictment occurred mere weeks before he was to be released from state prison. He was returned to serve a remaining sentence for prior offenses, and his release was initially influenced by participation in a prison firefighting program.

Governor Tina Kotek revoked Calhoun’s sentence commutation in 2023 when he became a suspect in these murders. A trial date is not yet scheduled, and Calhoun remains in custody. Attorneys for his defense did not provide comments.

Following the hearing, Jose Real, speaking through an interpreter, expressed his disbelief in facing such circumstances with his family. He acknowledged gratitude for now having someone accountable for his daughter’s death. Masciell Real, Ashley’s sister, commented emotionally about the loss and the continued life of the accused behind bars.

Other victims’ relatives also attended the court session. Diana Allen, mother of Charity Perry, mentioned communicating a sense of solidarity with other families despite personal emotional struggle. She described the challenge of maintaining composure in the presence of Calhoun.