What were the Oregon highway murders?
The Oregon highway murders, also known as the "Highway of Tears" murders, refer to a series of unsolved murders and disappearances of young women that occurred along the Oregon section of U.S. Route 20 between the years of 1977 and 1983.
The victims were mostly teenagers and young women who were hitchhiking or traveling alone along the highway. The exact number of victims is uncertain, but at least six young women were murdered or went missing during this time period.
One of the most well-known cases is that of Anne Louise Smith, a 16-year-old girl who disappeared in 1978 while hitchhiking to a friend's house in Central Oregon. Her remains were found two years later in a remote area off the highway.
Despite intensive investigations, no one has ever been arrested or charged in connection with these murders and disappearances. The case remains unsolved, and it is believed that the perpetrator or perpetrators may still be at large.
Octavia Spencer To Lead True-Crime Series About Oregon Highway Murders For Max & ID
Octavia Spencer is moving into true-crime.
The Oscar winner and Self Made star will lead Lost Women Of Highway 20 for Max and Discovery ID.
The series, which comes from October Films, will examine the story of the crimes that happened on a desolate stretch of an Oregon highway.
Between the late 1970s and early 1990s, a number of girls and women disappeared or were raped and murdered along Highway 20. These include crimes against Marlene Gabrielsen, Kaye Turner, Rachanda Pickle, Melissa Sanders and Sheila Swanson
Lost Women Of Highway 20 will premiere later this year.