Oregon is known for its stunning natural beauty and laid-back lifestyle, but it’s not immune to crime. In fact, there have been some pretty high profile true crime cases in the state that have shocked the nation. From brutal murders to daring escapes, here are five of the most infamous cases in Oregon’s history.
- The Murder of Diane Downs
In 1983, Diane Downs shot her three children on a country road outside of Springfield, claiming that a stranger had carjacked her and committed the crime. However, detectives quickly discovered that Downs was lying and had actually shot her own kids in a twisted attempt to win back the affections of a man who didn’t want to be with her. Downs was convicted of murder and attempted murder and sentenced to life in prison.
- The Rajneeshee Bioterror Attack
In 1984, a cult known as the Rajneeshees committed a bioterror attack on the small town of The Dalles, Oregon. They contaminated salad bars in local restaurants with salmonella, which made over 750 people sick. The attack was an attempt to rig a local election in favor of the cult’s political candidates. It didn’t work, and the cult eventually disbanded.
- The Green River Killer Connection
Gary Ridgway, better known as the Green River Killer, was one of America’s most prolific serial killers. He was convicted of killing 49 women in Washington state, but he also had connections to Oregon. Ridgway would often pick up his victims near the Portland airport, and he even dumped one of his victims’ bodies in a remote area of Oregon. He was finally caught in 2001 and is currently serving multiple life sentences.
- The Max Train Stabbing
In 2017, a man named Jeremy Christian stabbed three people on a MAX train in Portland, killing two of them. The attack was racially motivated and came after Christian had been hurling racist and anti-Muslim slurs at two teenage girls. The attack was caught on video and made national news. Christian was eventually convicted of murder and sentenced to life in prison.
- The Disappearance of Kyron Horman
In 2010, seven-year-old Kyron Horman disappeared from his Portland school. Despite an extensive search, he was never found. His stepmother, Terri Horman, has long been suspected of involvement in his disappearance, but she has never been charged. The case remains unsolved to this day, and Kyron’s whereabouts are still unknown.
So there you have it, five of the most high profile true crime cases in Oregon’s history. From cults to serial killers to tragic disappearances, these cases are sure to leave you shocked and intrigued.
Tags:
True Crime Cases in Oregon
High Profile Oregon Crimes
Infamous Oregon True Crime
Shocking Oregon Crime History
Clusterado 
Leave a comment