Portland, OR — An Oregon man already accused of killing five Portland-area women now faces a new indictment in connection with the death of a sixth woman, as investigators continue examining a series of deaths dating back to 2022.
On Wednesday, Sept. 16, Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez announced that Jesse Calhoun had been indicted in connection with the death of Elizabeth “Libby” Gibson.
Gibson’s body has never been recovered. Investigators believe, however, that she died on or about Nov. 18, 2022, according to the district attorney’s office.
A Multnomah County grand jury indicted Calhoun on Sept. 15 on a charge of first-degree manslaughter, alleging that he unlawfully and recklessly caused Gibson’s death under circumstances demonstrating extreme indifference to the value of human life.
The new case adds another alleged victim to an investigation that has already drawn significant attention across the Pacific Northwest.
Family remembers Elizabeth ‘Libby’ Gibson
Gibson was first reported missing by a friend in March 2023, according to KPTV.
Following the new indictment, Gibson’s family released a statement remembering her as someone who brought warmth and acceptance to those around her.
“Our family is grateful that a definitive step toward justice is finally being taken for our sister, Libby,” her family said.
The family described Gibson as kind, creative and silly, adding that she welcomed people with love and acceptance before her future was “tragically taken” too soon.
Gibson’s sisters also thanked law enforcement for what they called their “tireless work and dedication.”
At the same time, the family asked the public and media to respect their privacy as they process the latest development and continue honoring Gibson’s memory.
Calhoun already faces charges in five deaths
Gibson is the sixth woman Calhoun has been accused of killing.
Authorities previously brought murder-related charges against him in connection with the deaths of Ashley Real, Charity Lynn Perry, Bridget Leanne Webster, Joanna Speaks and Kristin Smith.
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Real, 22, was allegedly killed on or about March 27, 2023, according to an earlier release from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
Perry, 24, Webster, 31, and Speaks, 32, were all found deceased under suspicious circumstances in 2023, authorities previously stated.
Calhoun is also accused in the death of Kristin Smith, who authorities say was killed on or about Nov. 20, 2022.
The five women’s bodies were discovered in rural and wooded areas across northwest Oregon and southwest Washington between late 2022 and the middle of 2023.
The addition of Gibson’s case means investigators are now pursuing allegations involving six women whose deaths occurred within a relatively narrow period.
Calhoun’s earlier criminal history
Before the victims’ remains were discovered, Calhoun had already faced criminal charges stemming from a 2019 incident involving a police dog.
He pleaded guilty to multiple charges after being accused of choking the animal. He was sentenced to prison for burglary, assaulting a public safety officer and interfering with a law enforcement animal, according to PEOPLE.
In 2021, former Oregon Gov. Kate Brown commuted Calhoun’s sentence after he volunteered to help firefighters battling the devastating wildfires that swept through Oregon in 2020.
His release later became another part of the timeline surrounding the criminal investigation.
Investigation into Gibson’s death continues
Despite the new indictment, the investigation into Gibson’s death remains ongoing, and her body has not been recovered.
Authorities are also continuing to examine whether additional cases could be connected to Calhoun.
Anyone with information about Gibson’s death or other cases that may be related to Calhoun is asked to contact Portland Police homicide investigators at [email protected].
The latest indictment represents another major development for Gibson’s family, who have spent years waiting for answers about what happened to her.
What do you think about the latest development in this Oregon investigation? Share your thoughts in the comments.