The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) in Oregon has addressed and refuted online rumors suggesting the presence of a serial killer in the city on Sunday.
The controversy arose after the deaths of six women under the age of 40 within the past three months. The PPB issued a public statement denouncing the speculation, emphasizing that the information being circulated through social media posts and news articles is not supported by factual evidence.
In the press release, the law enforcement agency said that “While any premature death is concerning…PPB has no reason to believe these six cases are connected.”
The investigation began in February when human remains were discovered in Multnomah County, Oregon. The remains were later identified as those of Kristin Smith, a 22-year-old who had been reported missing on December 22. The cause of Smith’s death remains unknown, and the investigation into her case is ongoing, according to the PPB.
In March, authorities in Clark County found the body of Joanna Speaks, aged 32, on an abandoned property. The Clark County Coroner determined her cause of death as homicide, resulting from blunt head and neck injuries.
Further disturbing discoveries were made on April 24 in Multnomah County. The body of Charity Lynn Perry, aged 24, was located in a culvert, prompting an investigation into her suspicious death.
In addition, an unidentified woman’s body was found in a tent in Portland’s Lents neighborhood. Authorities are working to identify her, estimating her age to be between 25 and 40, possibly of Native American or Native Alaskan descent.
“There is no indication that foul play was suspected by the (Medical Examiner) on scene, or the officers who were there to assist,” the PPB said in a statement.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office made another grim find when they located the body of Bridget Leann (Ramsey) Webster. Law enforcement officials are appealing to the public for any information related to this suspicious death.
On May 7, the remains of Ashley Real, aged 22, were discovered in a wooded area of Clackamas County. Real had been last seen in late March, and her death is being treated as suspicious, although it has not been officially classified as a homicide.
While the PPB has been in contact with neighboring law enforcement agencies regarding these cases, they emphasize that interagency communication does not automatically establish a connection between them.
“Like with all investigations of this nature we are routinely in contact with our law enforcement partners,” the agency said in their release. “That has happened here, but that should not suggest a connection has been made.”
Moreover, the PPB assures the public that if any significant developments arise, they will be promptly shared. However, at present, they do not believe there is an immediate or identifiable danger to the community.
