Portland Police say online rumors related to the death investigations of six women around the region are not supported by facts available at this point. In a press release to media outlets Sunday afternoon, PPB says they have “been hearing widespread questions and concerns about the death investigations of 6 women throughout the region, especially after widely distributed social media posts and news media articles appeared to suggest a connection between them. These discussions have led to some anxiety and fear in our community, and we want to provide reassurance that the speculation is not supported by the facts available at this point.”

Officials say the PPB case of Kristin Smith remains under investigation, and no additional details are available. The Medical Examiner has not yet determined the cause and manner of her death. Detectives are asking anyone with information to come forward and contact them.

The death investigation of Ashley Real is continuing by the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office. Portland Police Missing Persons Unit Detectives are coordinating with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office on the death investigation. Sheriff’s officials are describing her death as suspicious, but they have not concluded that she was the victim of a homicide. Again, anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the authorities.

Another Portland case being discussed is the death investigation from April 24, 2023. At 3:09 p.m., officers from East Precinct responded to a report of someone found deceased inside a tent. Portland Police officers assisted the Medical Examiner on the case, but the Medical Examiner is the lead investigator as they are the experts to determine the cause and manner of death. Police say there is no indication that foul play was suspected by the Medical Examiner on the scene, or the officers who were there to assist. Portland Police Homicide Unit has not been involved in the investigation.

Portland Police also say they are not currently involved with the Ainsworth State Park, Polk County, or Clark County death investigations. PPB says they have spoken with those agencies regarding the investigations but as of now are not actively participating in them. “It is common investigative practice, whether it is retail theft, robbery, sexual assault, or murder cases, to consider possible connections to other cases both in and out of our jurisdiction. Like with all investigations of this nature we are routinely in contact with our law enforcement partners,” Portland Police said.

Officials say that just because they have contacted the other agencies, it does not suggest a connection has been made.

“We ask that our community be aware of the facts about these cases before sharing speculation. PPB is assuring our community that if we learn of an articulable danger, we will notify the public about it. PPB will continue to coordinate with other law enforcement agencies to ensure we are doing all we can to pursue justice for any and all crime victims,” Portland Police stated in a press release.