x
Breaking News
More () »

Arrest made in 2009 killing of prominent Portland public defender Nancy Bergeson

Nancy Bergeson was found dead in her home on Nov. 24, 2009. Police arrested a man on Friday in connection to her murder.

PORTLAND, Ore. — An arrest was made Friday in a 2009 homicide case that left a prominent Portland defense attorney dead.

Christopher Alexander Williamson, 28, was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on one count of murder in connection with the death of 57-year-old Nancy Bergeson. 

Credit: Portland police
Christopher Alexander Williamson

Bergeson was an assistant federal public defender, a lawyer who defended people accused of federal crimes who could not afford an attorney.

Credit: Portland police
Nancy Bergeson

Bergeson was found dead in her home at 4146 SW Hamilton St. on Nov. 24, 2009. At first it appeared she died from natural causes but an autopsy revealed she was strangled. At the time of her death, there was no suspect information and very few clues, Portland police said.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

Detectives continued to investigate and believe Williamson killed Bergeson. No information about how police connected Williamson to Bergeson's death was released. Williamson will be arraigned in court on Tuesday.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact Portland police at 503-823-0479.

Bergeson's family released 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."

In honor of Bergeson, the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association created the Nancy Bergeson Ardent Advocate Lecture series. 

"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,” the OCLDA said in a statement.

Before You Leave, Check This Out