'She Was Kind, Creative, and Silly': Family Speaks Out as Accused Serial Killer Calhoun Charged in 6th Death

An Oregon man already accused in the deaths of five women has now been charged over a sixth, with prosecutors alleging he caused the death of missing woman Elizabeth 'Libby' Gibson, whose family described her as 'kind, creative, and silly'.

Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez announced on Wednesday, 16 September, that Jesse Calhoun has been indicted on a first-degree manslaughter charge in connection with Gibson's death.

Gibson's remains have not been recovered, but investigators believe she died on or about 18 November 2022. Her family said the new charge marked 'a definitive step toward justice' and thanked law enforcement for its work while asking for privacy as they continue to honour her memory.

Jesse Calhoun Faces New Charge in Gibson's Death

A Multnomah County grand jury indicted Calhoun on 15 September on one count of first-degree manslaughter. Prosecutors allege he unlawfully and recklessly caused Gibson's death under circumstances showing extreme indifference to human life.

Gibson was reported missing by a friend in March 2023. Authorities have not recovered her remains, and investigators continue to seek information about her disappearance and death.

'Libby was kind, creative, and silly. She welcomed everyone with love and acceptance. Her future was tragically taken from her way [too] soon,' her family said in a statement released through prosecutors.

Her sisters added, 'At this time, our family respectfully asks for privacy as we process this heartbreaking development and continue to honor Libby's memory.'

Calhoun Already Accused in Five Other Deaths

Calhoun had already been indicted over the deaths of five women between late 2022 and 2023. Prosecutors say Kristin Smith was killed on or about 20 November 2022.

Ashley Real, 22, was allegedly killed on or about 27 March 2023. Charity Lynn Perry, 24, Bridget Leanne Webster, 31, and Joanna Speaks, 32, were also found dead under suspicious circumstances in 2023.

The five women's bodies were discovered in rural or wooded areas across north-west Oregon and south-west Washington. Calhoun has been in custody in connection with those cases since June 2024. The new indictment expands the case against him but does not resolve what happened to Gibson or where her remains may be.

Melissa Smith, Kristin Smith's mother, told reporters, 'We've all experienced the worst thing that could ever happen to you, and it's incredibly hard to see one of the other families hurt the way we do.'

Long Criminal History and Sentence Commuted in 2021

Before the women's bodies were found, Calhoun had pleaded guilty to charges arising from a 2019 case in which he choked a police dog. He was sentenced to prison for burglary, assaulting a public safety officer and interfering with a law enforcement animal.

Former Oregon Governor Kate Brown commuted his sentence in 2021 after he volunteered to assist firefighters during the 2020 wildfires.

Vasquez said prosecutors would continue pursuing accountability in each case. 'We will not stop. We will do everything in our power to hold him accountable and see that justice is done for each and every one of these victims,' he said.

Senior Deputy District Attorney Melissa Marrero said the investigation remained extensive and urged anyone with information to come forward. 'All information is useful,' she said, adding that even small pieces of information had helped investigators reach this point.

Calhoun has pleaded not guilty to the five murder charges. The new manslaughter indictment is an accusation, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Calhoun is scheduled to be arraigned on the manslaughter charge on Monday, 21 September. The investigation into Gibson's death remains open, with Portland police continuing to seek information that could help establish what happened to her.