PORTLAND, OREGON: Authorities are currently investigating the mysterious deaths of six women, whose remains were found in and around Portland, prompting fears that a serial killer, dubbed as the "Portland Ripper," was possibly prowling in the region. The remains of the women, all under the age of 40, were reportedly discovered in suspicious circumstances on the side of the road, in abandoned barns or hidden among bushes.
According to KGW8, the first victim was discovered on February 19 while the most recent victim was found on May 7. Police have only released the cause of death of one victim, who died due to blunt force injuries to the head and neck. The cause of death of the other women have not been made public yet, and it is unknown what the victims had in common.
Kristin Smith
Smith, 22, was the first victim whose remains were found by authorities on February 19. Her body was reportedly discovered in Pleasant Valley, next to a crossroads, in a forested area. The cause of her death has not yet been determined by the coroner. She was reported missing in late December 2022 by her family, who had been conducting their own searches for her and handed out missing person fliers. They have also set up a GoFundMe to help pay for her funeral expenses.
Joanna Speaks
Speaks, 32, a mother-of-three and recovering drug addict, was found dead at an abandoned barn in Ridgefield on April 8, just a few weeks after going missing. As per the Clark County Sheriff's Office, her death was caused by blunt force trauma to the head and neck, and her body was transported to the spot where it was discovered. "I don't want to ever scare people but the reality is there are women dying at awful numbers," Speaks' sister Robin, said.
Charity Perry
A few days after Speaks was found, 24-year-old Perry's body was discovered close to Ainsworth State Park on April 24. She was homeless and had been residing in a tent in Vancouver, Washington, which is approximately nine miles north of Portland. Her disappearance and death prompted her mother to raise awareness about her case and the others. "I know that she didn't get where she was found on her own," Diana Allen told Fox News Digital, adding, "And the person or persons that put her there tried very hard to keep her from being found."
An unnamed Alaskan woman
The same day Perry was discovered, an unidentified woman, who police believe is of Native American or Native Alaskan descent, was found dead near an Interstate. She was discovered wearing bracelets, rings, a green long-sleeve blouse, a black and white zip-up jacket, trousers, and black and white Adidas cleats. She also has two distinguishing tattoos: a Buddha on her right upper back and a black musical note with the letter V.
Bridget Leann Ramsey Webster
The fifth victim was 31-year-old Webster, whose remains were discovered on April 30 in Polk County. Police say she was known to frequent central Portland.
Ashley Real
The last body to be found was that of 22-year-old Real. On May 7, a fisherman in Eagle Creek discovered her remains in a densely forested area. She was last seen on a security camera on March 27 at a fast-food restaurant. "We are working diligently with those respective law enforcement agencies to determine if these deaths are connected. Our detectives are actively working every lead, including tips we have received," Deputy John Plock of the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office reportedly said.
