Oregon officials have announced the arrest of a suspect in connection with the deaths of four women in the Portland area over the past several months.

The Multnomah County District Attorney's office noted that the person is under arrest, with 38-year-old James Calhoun noted as the key suspect.

4 dead Oregon women linked to one person of interest, officials say https://t.co/s6UVwldwuS

— The Oregonian (@Oregonian) July 17, 2023

The details

"In 2021, Oregon Gov. Kate Brown commuted Calhoun’s sentence for 2019 stolen vehicle and burglary convictions because he had aided the state’s efforts to combat wildfires in 2020," Oregon Live reported.

"Prosecutors also did not reveal the information linking the four cases, citing ongoing investigations, but said 'at least one person' is connected to the deaths of Kristin Smith, 22, of Gresham, Charity Lynn Perry, 24, Bridget Leann Ramsay Webster, 31, and Ashley Real, 22," it added.

Investigators say they have a person of interest in the deaths of four women who were found killed in the Portland metro area since February, the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office said Monday, July 17, 2023.https://t.co/PX6jzfUWbU

— KATU News (@KATUNews) July 17, 2023

The response

"Oregon Governor Tina Kotek's office said she revoked that commutation on July 3 at the request of the Multnomah County DA's Office, and he was readmitted to corrections custody on July 6," according to KATU-TV.

"When asked for comment, former Governor Brown said, 'I am absolutely horrified for the victims, their families, and all those who have experienced these losses,'" the report added.

Four women were found dead during a three-month period within 100 miles of each other in the Portland, Oregon area. Police say the same person of interest could be connected to each case. https://t.co/cEesNUrhVx

— Scripps News (@scrippsnews) July 17, 2023

The connections

"Smith was first reported missing in December of last year and was found dead months later in late February. 22-year-old Real was last seen in March at a restaurant and was later found dead in May," Scripps News shared.

"The bodies of Webster and Perry were found in separate locations in April. Both were known to travel into Portland frequently," it added.

Officials did not reveal what caused them to believe the four deaths were linked.

The shocking report of the serial killer has alarmed local Oregon residents who have been concerned over the deaths of the women over the past several months.

Some are taking comfort in the arrest of the suspect, with more details expected in the harrowing account of the crimes.