What's happened
A grand jury has indicted Jesse Lee Calhoun for the November 2022 death of Kristin Smith, adding new charges of second-degree murder and abuse of a corpse. Calhoun is also linked to other women’s deaths in the Portland area. His trial is scheduled for 2027.
What's behind the headline?
The recent indictment of Jesse Lee Calhoun marks a significant development in a complex case involving multiple victims. The addition of charges related to Kristin Smith's death underscores the ongoing efforts to seek justice. The case highlights regional concerns about a potential serial killer operating within a 100-mile radius of Portland, with authorities linking Calhoun to several deaths. The timing of the indictment, just before Calhoun's scheduled release from prison, suggests a strategic move by prosecutors to strengthen their case. The community's emotional response, especially from Smith's family, reflects the profound impact of these crimes. The case also raises questions about the effectiveness of early release policies, given Calhoun's prior convictions and the revocation of his commutation. Overall, this case exemplifies the challenges law enforcement faces in addressing serial crimes and the importance of thorough investigations to ensure justice for victims.
What the papers say
The Independent and AP News provide consistent updates on the indictment, emphasizing the new charges and the ongoing investigation. The Independent highlights the emotional reactions of Kristin Smith's family and the broader regional concern about a serial killer, while AP News focuses on the legal proceedings and the timeline of Calhoun's arrests and indictments. Both sources underscore the gravity of the case and the scheduled trial in 2027, with the Independent offering additional context about the community's hope for justice and the implications of Calhoun's prior release and revocation of his parole.
How we got here
Kristin Smith disappeared in December 2022, with her remains found in Portland months later. Calhoun was previously indicted for the deaths of three women and was serving a prison sentence for unrelated charges. The investigation expanded as bodies of other women were discovered in the region, raising concerns about a possible serial killer targeting young women.
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