Portland Serial Killer Dies in Prison at 76

Jesse Andre D'Breeze, also known as Jeffrey Paul Cutlip, was serving three life sentences for the murders of three women in the 1970s and 1990s.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 10:05pm by Ben Kaplan

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An extreme close-up photograph of a pair of handcuffs against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigation into a serial killer's crimes.The grim details of a serial killer's crimes are captured in the stark, unforgiving light of a police investigation.Portland Today

A serial killer behind the deaths of three Portland women between 1975 and 1993 died at 76 years old while serving a life sentence without the possibility of parole at Two Rivers Correctional Institution. Jesse Andre D'Breeze, also known as Jeffrey Paul Cutlip, was charged and convicted for the murders of 44-year-old Marlene Carlson in 1975, 15-year-old Julie Bennett in 1977, and 33-year-old Nielene Doll in 1993.

Why it matters

The case highlights the long-lasting impact of serial killers on local communities and the importance of law enforcement eventually bringing perpetrators to justice, even decades later. D'Breeze's crimes shook Portland in the 1970s and 1990s, and his death brings a sense of closure for the victims' families and the city.

The details

In July 2012, D'Breeze called police from Brownsville, Texas to confess his involvement in the murders of Carlson and Bennett. He was then arrested and extradited to Portland, where he was later indicted in connection with Doll's death. D'Breeze was sentenced to three consecutive life terms in January 2014 and died in hospice care at the Two Rivers Correctional Institution.

  • Marlene Carlson was found strangled in her Portland apartment on Southwest 15th Avenue in 1975.
  • Julie Bennett disappeared on April 4, 1977 and was found dead two days later in Johnson Creek.
  • Nielene Doll had been reported missing in July 1993 and was found later that month on Southeast Bull Run Road in rural Clackamas County.
  • In July 2012, D'Breeze called police to confess his involvement in the murders of Carlson and Bennett.
  • D'Breeze was sentenced to three consecutive life terms in January 2014 and died in prison on March 29, 2026.

The players

Jesse Andre D'Breeze

Also known as Jeffrey Paul Cutlip, he was a serial killer behind the deaths of three Portland women between 1975 and 1993. He was sentenced to three consecutive life terms in 2014 and died in prison in 2026 at the age of 76.

Marlene Carlson

A 44-year-old woman who was found strangled in her Portland apartment in 1975, one of D'Breeze's victims.

Julie Bennett

A 15-year-old girl who disappeared and was found dead in Johnson Creek in 1977, another of D'Breeze's victims.

Nielene Doll

A 33-year-old woman who was reported missing in 1993 and found dead later that year, D'Breeze's third known victim.

Two Rivers Correctional Institution

The Oregon prison where D'Breeze was serving his life sentence and died in hospice care.

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The takeaway

D'Breeze's crimes shook Portland in the 1970s and 1990s, and his death brings a sense of closure for the victims' families and the city. This case underscores the need for continued vigilance and determination in solving cold cases, no matter how much time has passed.