A Family’s Dark Shadow: Father and Two Sons Accused in Tragic Oregon City Killing

It’s a story that truly makes you pause, casting a rather unsettling shadow over Oregon City. In a development that’s as grim as it is perplexing, authorities have taken a father and one of his teenage sons into custody, both now facing murder charges. And, just to make an already tragic situation even more harrowing, another son, also a teenager, is currently wanted, also for murder, in connection with the very same case.

The individuals arrested are David Michael Smith, who is 43 years old, and his 17-year-old son, Daniel Michael Smith. They were picked up on Friday, May 17, right there in Oregon City. The charges they face? Murder, in connection with the death of Jennifer Lee McPherson, who was 43. She was, in truth, David Smith’s girlfriend.

But the story doesn't end there, not by a long shot. Law enforcement officials are actively, diligently, searching for David’s other 17-year-old son, Andrew Michael Smith. Yes, he too is wanted for murder, and his connection to this devastating case looms large. You could say it's a truly unsettling family affair, one that sends shivers.

Now, as for Jennifer Lee McPherson, the victim in this whole awful ordeal, she was last seen alive on May 15. Her body, heartbreakingly, was discovered the very next day, Thursday, May 16, tucked away in a more rural part of southeast Clackamas County. The details surrounding how she died, or perhaps more critically, why, well, those haven't been released just yet. And honestly, the silence on that front only adds to the unsettling nature of it all.

This is a major investigation, as you might expect. The Oregon City Police Department, working hand-in-hand with the Clackamas County Major Crimes Team and the Clackamas County Interagency Major Crimes Team, alongside the Clackamas County District Attorney's Office, are all deeply involved. They are meticulously piecing together what happened, hoping to bring some clarity, some justice, to what feels like an overwhelmingly dark puzzle.

Both David Smith and Daniel Smith are currently being held without bail. Their first appearance in court was slated for Monday, an initial step in what promises to be a long and arduous legal process. Meanwhile, the search for Andrew Michael Smith continues; authorities are urging anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward. It’s a somber plea, really, for help in finding a teenager connected to such a grave accusation. This whole situation, it just leaves you with so many questions, so much sorrow.