OR - 6 women found dead near Portland, most in secluded, wooded area, Feb 19 - May 8, 2023 *POI of 4*

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''Family members posted flyers about the missing woman and searched parts of Portland. Kristin Smith’s body was the first of the four to be discovered, in a wooded area of a Portland neighborhood, on Feb. 19. Melissa Smith praised a detective with the Portland Police Bureau for more aggressively pursuing the case.
The district attorney’s announcement Monday said no charges have been filed in connection with any of the deaths. But Calhoun is back behind bars. Gov. Tina Kotek revoked his commutation on July 3.
Calhoun is now back in prison to serve the remainder of his sentence, with his new projected release date June 9, 2024, Oregon Department of Corrections spokesperson Amber Campbell said Friday''.
The interview with Melissa Smith just broke my heart in stating her daughter had serious mental health issues that now had no chance to properly treat. It’s a terrible reminder of the struggle parents endure in their constant search for assistance of effective mental health treatment programs. Sadly, the US fails to provide adequate systems that ensures the availability of effective mental health treatment.
 
The LE says it every single time...they DENY.
Why?
I have to wonder if, on some level, they know that they don't have the skills to investigate a serial killer, which would require them to get the FBI involved. Most larger policing agencies, IMHO, are more likely to avoid calling in the FBI, because they don't want to be perceived by the public as incapable of handling it themselves. Their funding for investigations might get cut in the future if it appears they can't handle big cases themselves.
 
I have to wonder if, on some level, they know that they don't have the skills to investigate a serial killer, which would require them to get the FBI involved. Most larger policing agencies, IMHO, are more likely to avoid calling in the FBI, because they don't want to be perceived by the public as incapable of handling it themselves. Their funding for investigations might get cut in the future if it appears they can't handle big cases themselves.

That's most likely the truth behind it.
Fear of looking incompetent but I don't expect a cop to be a profiler, it's a specialized study.
Maybe more training so cops know what patterns to look for?
 
Part of it is the ways the laws are written. I am a DV victim here locally. So I personally have walked the system front to back. I also knew Meshay Melendez, David Giese, Tiffany Hill, and Heather Young.
We don't have any rights to assert. Once we do reach out for help, the clock starts ticking. DV favors the offender here. There is really no denying it. We have nowhere to go, no one to turn to, and no agencies that can offer what we actually need. We have one woman that runs a nonprofit that she basically funds herself, the advocate system and YWCA is a joke.

I think this is probably standard across the states, but I only know Portland and Vancouver personally.
When an offender breaks the RO, breaks probation, or does something to result in a warrant, no one actually goes and arrests them. Even when they know where they are. They wait until they have contact for another reason. And most times, even if they do have contact, it is on a "book and release" which means they walk away and never go to jail.

Some of the men who I thought would be there for me, were not, and they recently lost family to DV, and the subject of "Why didn't you step in?" is coming up more.

As for the "Open relationships"...this is so common in the drug circles. Yes, it is weird. But sex is a profitable commodity that can be sold over and over.

For the women, it can be a trap they can't get out of.

My former stepkids mom is in Ptown and she trades sexual favors for a room to rent. Has for two years. And her boyfriend lives there too. That's crazy to us, but for some in the life, that's how they live ...or rather, how they survive

As in the facts of sex trafficking there’s lots of misinformation and lack of clarity on system failures within DV programs. The issue is not preventable or properly managed simply by funding community initiatives to offer assistance, policies and initiatives must be in total alignment on every level. There’s many pieces required from community support and government funding to legislative actions that’s properly enforced by LE with guarantee for protection under the justice system- if one piece is missing, impossible to produce an effective program.

Connecticut has spoken out in past couple of years on the failures in response to DV, wish other states would take proactive approach.
 
That's most likely the truth behind it.
Fear of looking incompetent but I don't expect a cop to be a profiler, it's a specialized study.
Maybe more training so cops know what patterns to look for?
FBI has a lot of education programs for local LE. Some are probably available online. I heard someone talking the other day about the FBI CAST program, which allows LE to compile and analyze cell phone & tower data. They have software and instructions for local LE to use it on their own. The same way they put together the info for the Long Island Serial Killer - Rex H.
 
As in the facts of sex trafficking there’s lots of misinformation and lack of clarity on system failures within DV programs. The issue is not preventable or properly managed simply by funding community initiatives to offer assistance, policies and initiatives must be in total alignment on every level. There’s many pieces required from community support and government funding to legislative actions that’s properly enforced by LE with guarantee for protection under the justice system- if one piece is missing, impossible to produce an effective program.

Connecticut has spoken out in past couple of years on the failures in response to DV, wish other states would take proactive approach.

A local task force might be a good place to start, bringing all the players together from criminal justice, LE, social services, health care providers, elected officials, etc. Review the data, bring in victims, etc. Get out the maps. Develop a new plan based on everyone's input. Look around to other cities and states who have done it successfully. It's worth the time and effort. JMO
 
A local task force might be a good place to start, bringing all the players together from criminal justice, LE, social services, health care providers, elected officials, etc. Review the data, bring in victims, etc. Get out the maps. Develop a new plan based on everyone's input. Look around to other cities and states who have done it successfully. It's worth the time and effort. JMO

I’m in Georgia, although we have an active and very vocal Commission on Family Violence, sadly support system is flawed especially by ineffective support within the court system. Georgia’s not a Best Practices state for others to follow.

National Network to End Domestic Violence appears to offer guidance and assistance for improving support systems. There’s reference to Pastor Cliff Chappell of the St. Johns All Nations Church of God in Christ in Portland, Oregon who may be a great resource for anyone interested in sharing personal experiences or knowledge of the struggles for domestic violence victims. Encourage contact with Pastor Chappell especially if interested in pursuing system improvements that effectively support key issues for domestic violence victims in the Portland area.
 
Sorry to hear the supposed remedies aren't working in this area. That shouldn't be the case.

The federal government spends billions of dollars every year at the local level for DV programs to prevent and assist victims.

I can't vouch for this group one way or another, but this looks like a place you can start.


My supportive suggestion is that you and other victims form a group and start looking into where this money is going in your area and how it's being used. No one should have to fund a non profit group on their own.

The resources that you can contact are family court judges, existing agencies (if there are any), your local members of Congress and your senators. Also see if you can tap into any experts at local universities.

Your goal should be to find out where the money is now being spent and re-direct it to organizations that can make a greater impact. The key part of making this work is to educate yourself and other DV survivors and advocate for placing you on the boards of the groups that are supposed to support the DV community. In order to be effective, these groups must be in making decisions based on the input from people who actually need these services.

Get out and advocate in the community, form a task force, hold meetings, develop goals to improve the system and contact the news media and social media to broadcast your advocacy.

Hope this helps. Most critical is to have DV victims/survivors at the table, with power to vote on changes impacting the problem in your community. Don't trust them to do the right thing. Do your homework on the issues, too.

When you're ready, schedule some appointments to meet with staffers at the local district offices for your members of Congress and senators. There should be people in those offices who handle this particular issue.
Wow. Thank you. That is a lot of information. I did recently reach out to our new state rep, I did not expect much, since her predecessor, who I actually knew personally, lol, never bothered to respond to me.
When Meshay and Layla were killed, many in the community used it as a launching board to effect change. But her office did call me back ,and did listen to my story. For me, it isn't about the abuse I went through with my abuser, it is the abuse and neglect I went through (And am still going through, as my abuser still has not been arrested in his DV warrants) from the legal system

I am going to take this information to NWCAVE, they are the organization that has helped Meshay and Layla's family, and if I can help too, I will.
I dream of having a non-profit where we come in and help fix a victim's house after the abuse. One of the things I struggled with was getting help fixing the damage my abuser caused on my house, and most f the time, the offers of help I got...came with "strings". I wasn't ready to date, let alone trade xes for handyman jobs.

I know we kind of derailed the topic, but thank you so much, this information is invaluable. I never thought about looking at it from a federal level.
ETA: I'm sorry if I got off topic. My personal history here locally, with my former spouse, opened my eyes to the underbelly of this world that Jesse lived in. Six years ago, I knew this world existed, but I was so naive to the reality of living in poverty and surrounded by addiction. I would not wish this life on my worst enemy. In fact, my worst enemy, IS this life.
 
As in the facts of sex trafficking there’s lots of misinformation and lack of clarity on system failures within DV programs. The issue is not preventable or properly managed simply by funding community initiatives to offer assistance, policies and initiatives must be in total alignment on every level. There’s many pieces required from community support and government funding to legislative actions that’s properly enforced by LE with guarantee for protection under the justice system- if one piece is missing, impossible to produce an effective program.

Connecticut has spoken out in past couple of years on the failures in response to DV, wish other states would take proactive approach.
There is an open hatred of women in this country. What rights we fought for are being taken back and too few seem to notice or care.
 
I think they are related for four reasons—1.the timeframe and
2. the women were all in their 20’s or 30’s. 3. Similar COD on at least 3 of the victims
4. LE working across multiple police departments which makes me think LE believes the MO is similar in most of the cases. JMO
So I’ve been off websleuths for a week or so and it sickens me to learn that I was right. We have simply got to run candidates for office who will write better laws to help women in crisis and make it easier to bring perpetrators to Justice.
 
Wow. Thank you. That is a lot of information. I did recently reach out to our new state rep, I did not expect much, since her predecessor, who I actually knew personally, lol, never bothered to respond to me.
When Meshay and Layla were killed, many in the community used it as a launching board to effect change. But her office did call me back ,and did listen to my story. For me, it isn't about the abuse I went through with my abuser, it is the abuse and neglect I went through (And am still going through, as my abuser still has not been arrested in his DV warrants) from the legal system

I am going to take this information to NWCAVE, they are the organization that has helped Meshay and Layla's family, and if I can help too, I will.
I dream of having a non-profit where we come in and help fix a victim's house after the abuse. One of the things I struggled with was getting help fixing the damage my abuser caused on my house, and most f the time, the offers of help I got...came with "strings". I wasn't ready to date, let alone trade xes for handyman jobs.

I know we kind of derailed the topic, but thank you so much, this information is invaluable. I never thought about looking at it from a federal level.
ETA: I'm sorry if I got off topic. My personal history here locally, with my former spouse, opened my eyes to the underbelly of this world that Jesse lived in. Six years ago, I knew this world existed, but I was so naive to the reality of living in poverty and surrounded by addiction. I would not wish this life on my worst enemy. In fact, my worst enemy, IS this life.

I also found info on posted above on Pastor Cliff Chappell who’s very active in policy change in the Portland area.
 
Wow. Thank you. That is a lot of information. I did recently reach out to our new state rep, I did not expect much, since her predecessor, who I actually knew personally, lol, never bothered to respond to me.
When Meshay and Layla were killed, many in the community used it as a launching board to effect change. But her office did call me back ,and did listen to my story. For me, it isn't about the abuse I went through with my abuser, it is the abuse and neglect I went through (And am still going through, as my abuser still has not been arrested in his DV warrants) from the legal system

I am going to take this information to NWCAVE, they are the organization that has helped Meshay and Layla's family, and if I can help too, I will.
I dream of having a non-profit where we come in and help fix a victim's house after the abuse. One of the things I struggled with was getting help fixing the damage my abuser caused on my house, and most f the time, the offers of help I got...came with "strings". I wasn't ready to date, let alone trade xes for handyman jobs.

I know we kind of derailed the topic, but thank you so much, this information is invaluable. I never thought about looking at it from a federal level.
ETA: I'm sorry if I got off topic. My personal history here locally, with my former spouse, opened my eyes to the underbelly of this world that Jesse lived in. Six years ago, I knew this world existed, but I was so naive to the reality of living in poverty and surrounded by addiction. I would not wish this life on my worst enemy. In fact, my worst enemy, IS this life.
It’ s not perfect, but dealing with these problems helps prevent the environment where women become murder victims. Fertile ground for serial killers, JMO.
 
It’ s not perfect, but dealing with these problems helps prevent the environment where women become murder victims. Fertile ground for serial killers, JMO.
Covid and BLM protests had a really bad effect here. The PNW being on lock down so long, plus the riots, kept most people indoors and at home for about 18 months. I know for me personally, I was off work and dealing with my own DV issues, so I did not see what was going on outside until it was on my doorstep.
When things started opening back up and I left home more, as well as being able to see clearly for the first time in years, being free of my abuser, I was stunned at the RV's, tents, half-dressed screaming zombies, the waves of mentally ill, piles of needles and drug paraphernalia, on every corner, in neighborhoods, fields next to walmart, it has never been the same since
Without services, we will keep losing women. IDK if Jesse fits the serial killer mold or if he is "just" a tweaker who cannot control his rage, or what, but I see this happening more and more, and it's really scary. I know a man just like Jesse and that scares the hell out of me for the women he hurts.
 
Is anyone else local hearing doubts that Jesse is the perpetrator? Some are saying he may have killed two, but no one else, and that the others are unrelated, and that he is not a serial killer, he is a addict with rage issues, but not a SK.
Not sure if this is just SM gossip or not, but it does make sense that he would be more of a rage/opportunity killer than a serial killer
I guess I need to brush up on the differences.
I really wish LE would release something that makes me feel like they are actually paying attention. There are a lot more women in this demographic missing or recently deceased by violence.

ETA this is ALL speculation on my part none of it is confirmed by anything other than gossip, let me know if I need to delete this if I violate TOS
 
Covid and BLM protests had a really bad effect here. The PNW being on lock down so long, plus the riots, kept most people indoors and at home for about 18 months. I know for me personally, I was off work and dealing with my own DV issues, so I did not see what was going on outside until it was on my doorstep.
When things started opening back up and I left home more, as well as being able to see clearly for the first time in years, being free of my abuser, I was stunned at the RV's, tents, half-dressed screaming zombies, the waves of mentally ill, piles of needles and drug paraphernalia, on every corner, in neighborhoods, fields next to walmart, it has never been the same since
Without services, we will keep losing women. IDK if Jesse fits the serial killer mold or if he is "just" a tweaker who cannot control his rage, or what, but I see this happening more and more, and it's really scary. I know a man just like Jesse and that scares the hell out of me for the women he hurts.
If you’re ever in need of assistance please reach out.❤️
 
Respectfully snipped.

Here is the problem. The SK might be in Portland, Klamath Falls, Vancouver, WA or totally elsewhere.

Here is the problem with Portland. It is an intersection of so many highways. Could be I-5, or, the traveller could take I-90 to Tri-Cities, drive down through Yakima to the border with Oregon then down to Portland via Interstate 84, or he could drive from Boise to Portland via 84, or go from Vavcouver south via I205.

Or the killer could be totally local. .

Portland has an unusual location, that's all. Just look at the road map. And while in Seattle, well, yes, there are many roads but move North, South or East, and you are still in a densely inhabited area, with Portland, it is different. This beautiful city is surrounded by forests, barns, wastelands or typical Oregon boonies. But the roads run through in in all directions. And lots of people camp in the area, too.

My feeling is, there is a SK who hunted in Portland in the end of 2022 - beginning of 2023, but it makes sense to look for the remains with similar COD in the large surrounding area. Maybe starting in Ogden, UT, or Boise, or Yakima reservation (the connection would be I-84), or around HWY 205, or I-5. It is possible that the killer lives in Portland and hunts in the area, or alternatively, he can easily get to the route that goes through Portland. We know that he preys on young women, as to the fact hinted at in the article, that they are into drug scene, there is your explanation how he lures them into the forests.
He should know the area, and statistically, SK don't live far from their victims, but I wonder if the habits are changing post-Covid. Or maybe they changed before.

Lindsey Baum, abducted in McLeary and dumped in Ellensburg, is one such case.

I have just noticed that all long-practicing serial killers have no obvious, or traceable, connection between them and their victims.
We have had 3 women turn up dead since late summer in Milton Freewater OR & Walla Walla county. I believe 2 were also due to blunt force trauma and the third woman they haven't released the results but it's strange that all 3 were in the timeframe of all the women found in PDX. As a young mother of 4 daughters its gut wrenching. And disturbing and quite frankly scary that there is such limited press and such tight lipped law enforcement..
 
We have had 3 women turn up dead since late summer in Milton Freewater OR & Walla Walla county. I believe 2 were also due to blunt force trauma and the third woman they haven't released the results but it's strange that all 3 were in the timeframe of all the women found in PDX. As a young mother of 4 daughters its gut wrenching. And disturbing and quite frankly scary that there is such limited press and such tight lipped law enforcement..
Welcome to Websleuths. Has there been any news media coverage of these murders? It’s a terrible thing and it must be frustrating if people feel the investigation is stalled.
 
Is anyone else local hearing doubts that Jesse is the perpetrator? Some are saying he may have killed two, but no one else, and that the others are unrelated, and that he is not a serial killer, he is a addict with rage issues, but not a SK.
Not sure if this is just SM gossip or not, but it does make sense that he would be more of a rage/opportunity killer than a serial killer
I guess I need to brush up on the differences.
I really wish LE would release something that makes me feel like they are actually paying attention. There are a lot more women in this demographic missing or recently deceased by violence.

ETA this is ALL speculation on my part none of it is confirmed by anything other than gossip, let me know if I need to delete this if I violate TOS

YEP!
 
Thank you! I was not thinking about religion per se, I was thinking, someone known to the sworkers from the “good side”. A cop is as high on my list as everyone else, but way much higher would be someone who would generate trust. (An example: Anne Rule mentioned that sometimes, GRK would take his 6-year-old son when prowling, this would make women less fearful to get into his car). I remember two situations from my life on the East Coast, eons ago. One was when some hospital worker, either a young employee or a chief resident, spoke about a casino at the state border, he’d drive there and talk to exotic dancers. Today, it would raise suspicion (you aren’t a therapist, you don’t gamble, what’s the use to drive for two hours to “talk” to girls). He called it an odd hobby, and spoke about it excitedly, for a long time, and it was strange, if he was telling the truth. I soon moved and forgot it. Another guy was the chief of a security department in a big corporation downtown, who once gave me a lift, because the garage at my work was outside, and it was late. On our way, he showed me local streetwalkers, and he knew surprisingly much about them; the interesting part was the artery we were driving by was the divider between the “good city” and the combat zone, so he only had to cross the street...
So I am always thinking, someone like this, either a person known for an odd hobby but otherwise, decent and a professional, or a security guy, or someone from a downtown IT company, someone known to have a young kid, or maybe even feeding the homeless, the helper. Of course, sworkers would not discuss their drug dealers, either, but for that group, like for pimps, sworkers are the source of income. I dislike both groups, but unless this person is a total nutter, he won't kill the source of his income.
I understand about the problem of getting clean for an sworker; after all, the clients come to have good time, too. And I would suspect that if for opiates, there is injectable Suboxone (Sublocade), that is significant harm reduction, then, for meth and cocaine, there is nothing. No one has studied treatment for PTSD that well, either.

One thing is important. The relatives of the victims made a group trying to raise the awareness of the problem in general. One of the women was a young mom and left three kids. It is something we can't brush off. I can see how important the cellphone is.

Maybe next step should be a free phone exchange? We all have used phones and we all buy the newer ones. Me, constantly. Maybe creating a free phone exchange for sworkers would contribute into their safety on the streets?
I think free "Obama phones" are still given out if you are on benefits like foodstamps.
 
The odd thing about KS is that she was found in a much more populated area than any of the others, but had the longest gap between going missing and being found. So maybe she was in fact more concealed/further off the road than the others.

This is a big part of why I lean away from KS being related—the killer is going to move bodies way further away, but at the same time conceal them LESS? Maybe, but it doesn’t really track for me.

But she could be related, and if she is I think what you suggest is exactly right.
I've been wondering if the time between missing and found is because they were held somewhere alive for a while. If so, maybe she was held longer.
 

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