A tragic night outside an Oregon bar ended with a young mother losing her life, and now the man responsible has learned his punishment. The heartbreaking case has drawn attention across Oregon, not only because of the deadly shooting but also because of the emotional words spoken by the victim’s young son in court.
After months of investigation, arrests across state lines, and court proceedings, justice has now been delivered in the death of 26-year-old Cali Bolden, a mother of three whose life was cut short during a street fight she was never meant to be part of.
Oregon Man Sentenced in Fatal Shooting of Mother of Three
William Watson, 34, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Cali Bolden outside a Portland bar.
Watson originally faced multiple serious charges, including second-degree murder, attempted murder, unlawful use of a weapon, and firearm possession charges.
However, on Monday, he pleaded guilty to:
- First-degree manslaughter
- Felon in possession of a firearm
- Attempted first-degree assault with a firearm
Following the plea, the court sentenced him to 22 years in prison, with credit for time already served.
Deadly Shooting Happened Outside Portland Bar
The shooting happened in the early morning hours of October 15, 2023, at around 4 a.m.
Portland police responded to reports of gunfire near Southeast Foster Road and Southeast 86th Avenue in Portland, Oregon.
When officers arrived, they found three shooting victims.
Two victims were rushed to a nearby hospital with life-threatening injuries.
Cali Bolden, who was also identified in some records as Cali Durbin, was found at the scene with fatal gunshot wounds.
Medical examiners later confirmed that her death was a homicide caused by a gunshot wound.
Fight Broke Out Before Gunfire
Court records revealed that Watson was a member of the Outcast motorcycle club and had traveled to Portland for a party with other club members.
During the gathering, an argument reportedly turned into a physical fight that spilled out onto the street.
That is when Watson pulled out a firearm and started shooting.
Investigators later determined that Watson was aiming at someone else when the bullets struck Bolden.
Defendant Said He Never Saw the Victim
During the investigation, Watson admitted that he fired the gun.
However, he claimed he never saw Cali Bolden during the shooting and did not intend to kill her.
Despite that claim, prosecutors argued that his decision to fire a weapon into a crowded public area directly led to her death.
That evidence ultimately resulted in his guilty plea.
Arrest Made Nearly a Year Later
Watson remained on the run for several months after the shooting.
Nearly a year later, on August 24, 2024, U.S. Marshals located and arrested him in Washington state.
Authorities also arrested Candice Hicks in connection with the same incident.
Both suspects were later extradited back to Oregon.
Victim’s Son Offers Emotional Words in Court
One of the most heartbreaking moments in the case came from Bolden’s eldest child.
According to courtroom reports, her son had turned 8 years old just one day before his mother was killed.
He had been waiting to celebrate with her when she returned home.
Despite his pain, he offered words of forgiveness toward the man responsible.
“I forgive him even though he took away my mother,” the young boy said in court.
He also spoke about the difficult future facing him and his younger siblings, who now must grow up without their mother.
Second Suspect Still Facing Trial
Candice Hicks, who was arrested alongside Watson, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against her.
She faces attempted murder and weapon-related charges.
Her trial is currently scheduled to begin on February 8, 2027.
A Family Forever Changed
While Watson’s prison sentence brings legal closure, it cannot repair the deep loss suffered by Cali Bolden’s children, family, and friends.
A night that began as a celebration ended in violence, leaving three children without their mother.
The case serves as a painful reminder of how quickly reckless actions and gun violence can destroy innocent lives. Though justice has been served in court, Cali Bolden’s loved ones now face the lifelong challenge of moving forward without her presence, love, and guidance.
