PORTLAND, Ore. -- The daughter of a murdered public defender took the podium Wednesday in a police press conference with an emotional plea for the public to help find the killer.
Assistant Federal Public Defender Nancy Bergeson was found dead in her Southwest Portland home by a neighbor who had stopped by to walk her golden retriever.
Initially, officers thought the 57-year-old died of natural causes, but an autopsy indicated Bergeson was murdered. Detectives won't provide specifics.
Portland Police said the FBI assigned an agent to monitor the investigation in case a link was found between the homicide and her role as federal defense attorney.
Investigators said so far there were no suspects.
Friends said she never talked about retribution or retaliation by her clients.
"The loss of her life has created an emptiness in so many of our lives," daughter jamie bergeson said wednesday. "She dedicated her life to the pursuit of justice and i beg of you to give her the same. I plead with you to help us in any way possible no matter how small or insignificant you think that information may be."
Police asked anyone with information to call Crime Stoppers at (503) 823-HELP and a $1,000 reward was offered for information leading to an arrest.
