Serial killer fears as expert raises 'red flag' over dozens of missing women
There are fears a serial killer is on the loose in Portland after a "red flag" was raised over dozens of missing women, a former cop has claimed.
The bodies of six women were discovered in the Oregon region of the United States in the last five months, sparking fears of a serial killer.
Kristin Smith, 22, Joanna Speaks, 32, Charity Lynn Perry, 24, Bridget Leann Ramsey Webster, 31, Ashley Real, 22 and an unidentified woman were all found dead within 100 miles of each other.
Clark County Sheriff's Office confirmed mum-of-two Joanna Speaks' death was a homicide after she was found dead at an abandoned barn with blunt head and neck injuries, 22 miles north of Portland, on April 8.
Joanna Speaks was found dead at an abandoned barn (Clark County Sheriff's Office)
Ashley Real is one of the six missing victims to have been found dead (Portland Police Bureau)Her sister Ariel Hamby described the death as "murder" in a GoFundMe page set-up to help raise awareness after she claimed there had been no news on her death despite an investigation.
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"Thanks to the help of the community, we were able to bring to light that Joanna is now one of six women found dead in the Portland Metro Area within a four-month time frame— all of which died of suspicious causes not related to gun violence or overdose," Ariel said.
"Our family’s heart continues to break with the loss of each woman— and though detectives have not been able to confirm a connection, we can’t help but wonder."
Police last week quickly downplayed any idea of a serial killer but, according to the state's online database, half of the 140 people missing from Multnomah County in Oregon, US, this year are women and girls.
Bridget Webster was found dead on April 30 (Polk County Sheriff's Office)
Kristin Smith was deceased in February (Portland Police Bureau)In addition, there are currently 401 active missing-persons across the state.
Joseph Giacalone, a retired NYPD sergeant and now an adjunct professor at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice, believes the number of people missing should be considered a public safety concern - even if there is no foul play suspected.
He told Fox News: "If you look at the history of serial killers, they always prey on the most vulnerable and specifically people who are drug users, homeless or prostitutes because they're transient.
"People aren't really looking for them after a certain period of time, and the groups that those individuals hang around with, whether it's the drug scene or the prostitution scene, are not really that friendly with the police.
"If you think that these are the only six bodies in that area, I think you'd be mistaken," he said.
"There needs to be a full investigation, including cadaver dogs and everything else."
Diana Allen, Charity's mum, said they couldn't give her the exact day of her death but are "pretty sure it was April."
Mum appeared 'completely normal' moments before vanishing while walking dog
Cops are "pretty sure" Charity Perry died in April, according to her mum (Diana Allen)Ms Perry was found by cops inside a culvert at Ainsworth State Park, 35 miles east of the city, and had been living in a tent in Vancouver after struggling with mental health issues and substance abuse, according to her mum Diana Allen.
She told Fox News she believes evidence shows Charity was taken to the location in the park in an attempt to conceal her remains.
Charity was taken to hospital and revived with a dose of Narcan but she was released by medics without any verification of her address.
Ms Allen said: "I had been trying to find her, but every time I went to the tent she was staying out, she wouldn't be there.
"At first, I didn't know she went to Portland till the detective informed me of this. They can't give me a day of death, but are pretty sure it was April."
According to the state's count, the number of open cases involving women and girls in the first half of this year is well above the 46 at the end of 2022.
Portland police, who are responsible for a portion of the 466-square mile Multnomah County, revealed they investigated a total of 489 missing-person reports last year.
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