206 Cases Solved. Advancing justice for missing persons, unsolved homicides, unidentified and unclaimed remains.
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Description
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Cesar Francesco Barone: A Detailed Account of His Crimes

Early Life and Background

Cesar Francesco Barone, born Adolph James Rode on December 4, 1960, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, exhibited troubling behavior from a young age. His early years were marked by disciplinary issues, including expulsion from kindergarten and threats toward peers. As a teenager, his delinquency escalated to drug use and burglary, leading to multiple incarcerations. During a prison term in Florida, he encountered notorious serial killer Ted Bundy. After his release, he legally changed his name to Cesar Francesco Barone and relocated to the Pacific Northwest.

Confirmed Victims

  • Margaret Schmidt: In April 1991, 61-year-old Margaret Schmidt was found raped and strangled in her home in Hillsboro, Oregon. Barone had broken into her residence, committing the assault and murder.
  • Martha Bryant: On October 1992, 41-year-old nurse-midwife Martha Bryant was attacked while driving home from work in Hillsboro. Barone shot into her car, wounding her, then sexually assaulted her before fatally shooting her in the head.
  • Chantee Woodman: In December 1992, 23-year-old Chantee Woodman was abducted, beaten, sexually assaulted, and shot to death. Her body was discovered along U.S. 26 near Vernonia, Oregon.
  • Betty Williams: In January 1993, 51-year-old Betty Williams was attacked in her Portland apartment. She suffered a fatal heart attack during Barone's attempted sexual assault.

Investigation and Arrest

Barone's series of violent crimes instilled fear in the Portland area. Authorities linked the murders through ballistic evidence and patterns in the assaults. In February 1993, Barone was arrested and charged with multiple counts of murder, sexual assault, and burglary. ...Read More
Victims
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Confirmed Victims: (4)
  • Margaret Schmidt Age: (61), Date of Death: April 1991
  •     ...View 3 additional victims
    Links to Additional Sources (8)
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    Killer's Details

    Cesar Francesco

    Barone

    December 4, 1960 Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States

    December 24, 2009 (aged 49) Salem, Oregon, United States

    Natural causes

    Male

    White

    Murder

    Death

    4+

    1991 - 1993

    Oregon

    February 1993

    Oregon State Penitentiary — Salem, Oregon

    07/03/2025