Show Notes
Oregon's Serial Killer Update When Jody and I first talked about this story back in 2023, it felt like something out of a true crime documentary that was still being written. At the time, several women had been found dead across the Portland area, rumors of a serial killer were spreading everywhere, and investigators were publicly saying they had no reason to believe the cases were connected. A lot has changed since then. In this bonus episode, I take a step back and walk through the entire story from the beginning, from the disappearances that first raised concerns to the growing list of indictments prosecutors have now filed against Jesse Lee Calhoun. What started as a handful of seemingly unrelated cases has evolved into one of the most significant homicide investigations Oregon has seen in years. As always, it's important to remember that these are allegations. Calhoun has pleaded not guilty, and the case has not yet been decided in court. A Story We Couldn’t Stop Thinking About This case has been in the background of the podcast almost from the beginning. When we first mentioned it, nobody knew whether the deaths were connected. Some people thought the serial killer theories were overblown. Others were convinced something bigger was happening. Looking back now is fascinating because we get to see how the investigation unfolded in real time and how dramatically the public understanding of the case changed over the past few years. From Wildfires to Murder Charges One of the most surprising parts of the story has nothing to do with the investigation itself. Years before his name became tied to these allegations, Jesse Lee Calhoun was one of the inmates who helped fight Oregon's devastating 2020 wildfires. His service earned him clemency and an early release from prison. Today, prosecutors allege he is connected to the deaths of six women across the Portland metropolitan area, transforming what was once a local mystery into a case being followed throughout the Pacific Northwest. What We Cover in This Episode How the story first landed on our radar The disappearances that started the investigation Why rumors of a serial killer spread so quickly The evidence timeline prosecutors have laid out so far The indictments announced between 2024 and 2026 Why one alleged victim's body has never been recovered What happens next as the case moves toward trial A Final Reminder This is still an active criminal case. The charges discussed in this episode are allegations made by prosecutors and have not been proven in court. Jesse Lee Calhoun has pleaded not guilty, and the outcome will ultimately be decided through the legal process. If you've been following this case since we first covered it years ago, this episode brings everything together in one place and catches you up on where the investigation stands today. Stay curious, and we'll see you down the next rabbit hole. Want an ad-free version of this episode? Join our Patreon. Visit www.rainydayrabbitholes.com
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More from Rainy Day Rabbit Holes: History Unhinged
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