Accused Oregon serial killer charged with murdering 5 women: "My sister isn't here anymore"

An arraignment in Portland, Oregon brought the latest development in a high‑profile case as Jesse Calhoun faced a fifth second‑degree murder charge. His defense entered a not‑guilty plea on his behalf in the presence of victims’ family members during a court proceeding tied to Ashley Real, 22, who died in 2023. Calhoun now faces five counts of second‑degree murder for four additional women—Kristin Smith, Charity Perry, Bridget Webster, and Joanna Speaks—along with four counts of abuse of a corpse. Real’s father described the moment through tears, expressing gratitude that accountability may be possible.

Calhoun previously faced multiple charges and was under supervision when indicted in 2024 and 2025 for the other four deaths. He had been paroled early in 2021 after assisting firefighting efforts, but the governor revoked the commutation in 2023 amid ongoing investigations. A trial date has not yet been set, and Calhoun remains in Multnomah County Detention Center as relatives advocate for justice.