Authorities in northwestern Oregon have announced that the deaths of four young women are now believed to be connected after months of investigations. The women, aged between 22 and 31, were all found dead earlier this year in northwest Oregon. However, the cause and manner of their deaths are yet to be determined by the state’s medical examiner. The four women have been identified as Kristin Smith, Ashley Real, Charity Lynn Perry, and Bridget Leann Webster, all of whom have ties to Portland.

According to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, authorities have interviewed multiple individuals in connection with the cases and have identified at least one person of interest who is linked to all four women. Despite this significant development, no charges have been filed so far. The district attorney’s office stated that, based on the available information, there is no believed active danger to the community at this time. The investigations into the deaths are ongoing.

The announcement comes about a month and a half after the Portland police stated that the deaths of six women in the region—some of which are now believed to be linked—were not connected. However, online speculation persisted and authorities continued their investigations. CNN has reached out to the Portland police for comment on these new developments.

The bodies of some of the women were discovered earlier this year in various locations in northwest Oregon. In February, the Portland Police Department recovered the remains of Kristin Smith, who had been reported missing in late December. Her family wants answers and justice for their daughter. In April, the bodies of Charity Lynn Perry and Bridget Leann Webster were found, and both deaths were considered suspicious by the authorities. Ashley Real’s body was discovered in May by a man who was visiting a heavily wooded area in Clackamas County. Her death was also deemed suspicious.

The families of the victims have been devastated by their losses. Melissa Smith, Kristin Smith’s mother, expressed the need for justice for her daughter, stating that she knows her daughter did not just suddenly die. Diana Allen, Charity Perry’s mother, described her daughter’s smile as being capable of lighting up the world. Perry had recently dealt with mental health issues. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has asked anyone with information about Bridget Leann Webster’s death to come forward.

As authorities investigate these deaths and work to establish connections, the community is reassured that there is no active danger. However, the search for answers and justice continues, as loved ones of the victims mourn their tragic losses and seek closure.