William Watson, 34, has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for the fatal shooting of Cali Bolden, a mother of three, during a fight outside a bar in Portland, Oregon. Watson pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter, felon in possession of a firearm, and attempted first-degree assault with a firearm. The charges stemmed from a shooting that took place in the early hours of October 15, 2023, outside a bar on Southeast Foster Road.
Details of the Incident
On the night of the shooting, police responded to reports of gunfire around 4 a.m. in the area of Southeast Foster Road and Southeast 86th Avenue. Officers found three victims with gunshot wounds. Two were rushed to the hospital with life-threatening injuries, while Cali Bolden, 26, was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner determined that Bolden died from a gunshot wound, ruling her death a homicide.
Watson, a member of the Outcast motorcycle club, had traveled to Portland with other club members to attend a party. During the gathering, a fight broke out, which escalated to the street, where Watson began firing his weapon. He later admitted to firing the gun but claimed he did not see Cali Bolden at the time of the shooting.
The Impact on Bolden’s Family
Bolden, also known as Durbin, left behind three children, including a son who had just turned 8 years old the day before her death. Her eldest child, in an emotional statement, expressed forgiveness toward Watson but shared the pain of the loss, saying, “I forgive him even though he took away my mother… my sister and my brother will have to live without a mom and a dad.”
The tragic loss has devastated Bolden’s family, and despite Watson’s admission of guilt, they are left grappling with the aftermath of the senseless violence.
Watson’s Arrest and Sentencing
Watson was arrested nearly a year later, on August 24, 2024, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service. He was apprehended in Washington state and extradited to Oregon. He faced several charges, including murder, attempted murder, and assault in addition to the charges related to gun possession.
In his plea deal, Watson avoided the initial murder charges by pleading guilty to manslaughter and related firearm offenses. He was sentenced to 22 years in prison, with credit for time served.
Co-Defendant Candice Hicks
Alongside Watson, Candice Hicks, 34, was arrested and charged with attempted murder and unlawful use of a weapon. Hicks has pleaded not guilty to the charges, and her trial is scheduled to begin on February 8, 2027.
Watson’s sentencing brings some closure to the Bolden family, though the emotional and practical toll of the tragedy will continue to affect them for years to come. The case serves as a reminder of the profound consequences that stem from senseless violence.
