A 37-year-old woman, Hong Phuong Le, along with her three children—7-year-old son Thanh Tien Dam, 5-year-old daughter Ha Ngan Dam, and 2-year-old daughter Viena Mai Dam—were found deceased at a residence in Cornelius, Oregon, on the afternoon of April 8, 2025. Authorities responded after a 911 call alerted them to the presence of the bodies, as confirmed by the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy David Huey, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, informed local media that the deceased were located in a structure connected to the main house.

As of Wednesday, no arrests had been made related to the deaths. Investigators stated they do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the public, suggesting the event was isolated.

The Cornelius Police Chief referred to the incident as “an unthinkable tragedy” that has deeply affected the community. Law enforcement has called for community solidarity during this challenging period.

Neighbors noted that the family may have experienced some isolation due to language differences. Despite this, the children were remembered for waving and smiling at neighbors, as reported by local news outlet KPTV.

Further insights from community members suggest that the family had recently faced difficulties. Several neighbors mentioned that a fire had damaged their home months before, cutting off electricity, although the family had resumed living there.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is treating the case as a death investigation. The cause of death is still undetermined as investigators continue to collect evidence and interview witnesses.

The residence where the bodies were found is located near an elementary school, raising community concerns about the effect on local children. School officials have yet to announce if additional counseling services will be provided to students.

Washington County, which includes Cornelius, is part of the Portland metropolitan area. Cornelius is a small city with a population of around 12,000 people, primarily residential with many family homes.

Local community leaders have extended condolences to the family and neighbors impacted by the deaths. Crisis response teams are typically deployed in communities following such events to offer emotional support and resources.

Authorities have not revealed who placed the initial 911 call reporting the discovery of the bodies. The identity of the caller could be significant to the investigation, though officials have not confirmed whether the caller was a family member, neighbor, or someone else.

Investigations of this nature often involve various specialized teams, including crime scene technicians, detectives, and forensic experts. Physical evidence from the scene will be analyzed as investigators work to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths.

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office has stated it will provide updates as the investigation progresses. No timeline has been given for when further information might be shared with the public.