A grisly triple murder case has seen a major development as Jesse Lee Calhoun, a 39-year-old man, has been indicted on murder charges in connection with the deaths of three women, as disclosed by Multnomah County District Attorney Mike Schmidt. The victims, identified as Charity Lynn Perry, 24, Bridget Leanne Webster, 31, and Joanna Speaks, 32, were allegedly found deceased under circumstances that raised immediate concern last year, according to Multnomah County District Attorney's Office.
An extensive collation of evidence and data by an assembly of law enforcement agencies led to Calhoun's identification as a prime suspect. On May 16, a grand jury moved to indict him on three counts of Murder in the Second Degree, and, three counts of Abuse of a Corpse in the Second Degree. This crucial stage in the legal process was announced in a news release, as Calhoun currently remains behind bars at the Snake River Correctional Institution.
In a sober acknowledgment of the situation, Schmidt's office expressed recognition of the profound impact of the deaths on the victims' loved ones and the community at large. The DA's office, by meeting with the grieving families, demonstrated their commitment to secure justice for the women whose lives were brutally cut short. The emotional weight of these losses has reverberated throughout the respective families and has extended its reach into the heart of the Multnomah community.
Law enforcement officials continue to urge anyone with relevant information about the deaths or Calhoun himself to come forward. Contact details have been provided for Detective Jeff Pontius and Detective Stephen Gandy, the lead investigators on the case. The plea for public assistance reflects the ongoing effort to piece together the events that led to this tragic conclusion. The district attorney's office, in extending gratitude, named a wide array of helpful agencies, including but not limited to, the Portland Police Bureau, the various sheriff's offices, state police, and the FBI.
Coupled with the seriousness of the charges, it's important to remember that an indictment is not a conviction, and Calhoun will remain innocent until, or if, proven guilty in the eyes of the law. His transfer to Multnomah County for arraignment will be the next legal maneuver, where he will face the charges that have been laid against him.
