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News Release
Christopher_Alexander_Williamson_28.jpg
Christopher_Alexander_Williamson_28.jpg
UPDATE - Suspect Arrested in Connection with the 2009 Homicide of Nancy Bergeson (Photo) - 01/19/19

The family of Nancy Bergeson is asking for privacy at this time but has provided the following statement:

"Even though it has been 9 years, Nancy continues to have a tremendous presence and positive influence in the lives of many people. Her friends and family appreciate the tenacious work of law enforcement; for the first time in many years, we carry a hope that there will be answers and justice."

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###ORIGINAL MESSAGE BELOW###

On Friday January 18, 2019, Portland Police Bureau Homicide detectives arrested 28-year-old Christopher Alexander Williamson in connection with the 2009 homicide of a prominent Portland defense attorney, 57-year-old Nancy Bergeson.

This investigation started on November 24, 2009 at approximately 3:00 p.m., when Ms. Bergeson was found deceased in her home at 4146 Southwest Hamilton Street.

An autopsy performed by the Oregon State Medical Examiner's Office revealed that Ms. Bergeson died of homicidal violence.

At the time, there was no suspect information and very few clues as to what circumstances led to Ms. Bergeson's death.

Portland Police Bureau Homicide detectives worked tirelessly over the past nine years, investigating every lead. This investigative work, in collaboration with the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, has led to today's arrest.

Williamson was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on one count of Murder and will be arraigned on Tuesday January 22, 2019, in Multnomah County Court.

This remains an ongoing investigation and no additional details will be released at this time.

In memory of Nancy Bergeson, the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (OCDLA) created the Nancy Bergeson Ardent Advocate Lecture Series. In creating the lecture series, the OCDLA stated, "Nancy Bergeson was a career-long public defender whose legal acumen was matched only by her uncanny ability to empathize with her clients. She articulated her client's position to a jury or judge as if it was Nancy, herself, on trial for her life." For more information about this lecture series, please visit https://www.ocdla.org

Interested media should contact the Portland Police Bureau Public Information Officer (PIO) for media availability and referral to family and friends of Ms. Bergeson.

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact the Portland Police Bureau Homicide Detail at 503-823-0479.

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