The Portland Police Bureau (PPB) labeled suggestions circulating on social media and in news articles as baseless “online rumors,” causing unnecessary anxiety and fear among the public.
The PPB announced on Sunday that there is no evidence linking the deaths of six women in and around Portland to a serial killer
The PPB officials emphasized that they have found no reason to believe these six cases are connected. As of now, all six cases remain under investigation. One of the victims is Kristin Smith, a 22-year-old woman whose remains were discovered in a wooded area of Portland’s Pleasant Valley neighborhood in February. Smith had been reported missing in December, and the cause and manner of her death are still undetermined. Detectives are urging anyone with information about Smith’s death to come forward and assist in the investigation.
The PPB is also looking into the death of Ashley Real, another 22-year-old woman who was reported missing in March. Real’s remains were found by a man fishing in a wooded area in Eagle Creek. Although Clackamas County detectives have deemed Real’s death “suspicious in nature,” they have not yet classified it as a homicide.
An unidentified woman was discovered deceased inside a tent in Portland’s Lents neighborhood
The PPB stated that foul play is not suspected in this case, and the Homicide Unit has not been involved in the investigation. Additionally, the PPB clarified that there is no evidence connecting the remaining three deaths, which are currently being investigated by authorities in Multnomah County, Polk County, and Clark County.
The PPB urged the community to rely on accurate information and refrain from sharing unfounded speculation. They emphasized their commitment to promptly notify the public if any credible danger emerges. The investigation into these tragic deaths continues, and the authorities encourage anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist in resolving these cases.
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