Catherine Grace Crosse was found dead inside her recreational vehicle in Wilsonville, Oregon on Dec. 31, 2024. She had been stabbed approximately 30 times in the face and neck, according to prosecutors with the Clackamas County District Attorney's Office.
Background
Jason David Perillo, 52, was a customer of Crosse and her companion, who sold small quantities of fentanyl and cocaine out of the shared RV, authorities said. On the day Crosse was found dead, Perillo went to the RV to purchase drugs, according to investigators. Surveillance video captured Perillo entering the vehicle and leaving approximately two hours later. Forensic evidence determined Crosse was still alive when Perillo arrived.
When Crosse's friend could not reach her by phone, he asked another friend to go check on her at the RV. That friend discovered Crosse deceased inside the vehicle, prosecutors said.
Investigators later learned that among the items Perillo carried out of the RV was a winning lottery ticket worth $400.05—a prize Crosse had discussed with a friend via text message before her death. She had also texted about $6,750 in cash she had recently acquired.
The Investigation
The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office investigated the homicide. Perillo was initially charged with first-degree murder and robbery. However, both charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement, according to court records.
Investigators discovered that Perillo bought a truck for $2,000 shortly after Crosse's death. He also gave $1,000 to his wife. Authorities noted Perillo had no steady or reliable source of income. Records show he cashed in Crosse's winning lottery ticket four days after killing her.
Key Takeaways
- Catherine Grace Crosse, 41, was stabbed approximately 30 times in the face and neck inside her Wilsonville, Oregon RV on Dec. 31, 2024
- Jason David Perillo, 52, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder as part of a plea deal that dismissed first-degree murder and robbery charges
- Surveillance video captured Perillo entering and leaving Crosse's RV; investigators determined she was alive when he arrived
- Perillo cashed in Crosse's $400.05 winning lottery ticket four days after her death, prosecutors said
What's Next
Perillo was sentenced to life in prison with the possibility of parole after 25 years. The case remains closed following his conviction.