Oregon: Murder Case Following a Brief Relationship with a Colleague

In late April 2024, the small community of Clackamas County, Oregon, was shocked by the death of Nathan Dean Anderson, a bakery employee, who was killed in a case involving a complex relationship between his girlfriend, a colleague, and jealousy.

The story began at an apartment in Milwaukee, where Cody James Denowith lived with his girlfriend, Dominique Marie Britt. Prior to the incident, police had responded to a domestic violence call at this apartment, and Denowith had spent a short time in jail. During this period, Britt claimed that Nathan Anderson, Denowith’s colleague, had assaulted her. This revelation enraged Denowith, who decided to kill Nathan.

On the afternoon of April 29, around 5:30 PM, Denowith encountered Nathan on a quiet street. He pulled out a Sig Sauer handgun and fired three shots at Nathan’s abdomen. Neighbors heard the gunfire and called 911. Despite being rushed to Oregon Health and Science University Hospital, Nathan was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The police acted quickly. Witnesses identified Denowith, phone data showed he had previously texted family members seeking help to kill Nathan (all of whom refused), and surveillance footage, shell casings, and digital evidence all indicated premeditation rather than a spontaneous act of rage.

On May 6, Denowith was arrested and interrogated. Despite multiple denials, he admitted involvement in Nathan’s death. Investigators highlighted that Denowith had removed his license plate prior to the act, demonstrating careful planning and intent. He maintained that he was a family man and had no intention to harm anyone, but digital evidence and Britt’s testimony contradicted him.

Dominique Britt later confirmed that Denowith had shown signs of mental instability and had previously threatened Nathan. She revealed that she was aware of the murder plan but felt powerless to stop him. The case concluded with Denowith being charged with first-degree murder and illegal use of a firearm.

This story is more than an ordinary murder case; it serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of complicated romantic relationships, jealousy, and violence. Clackamas County detectives skillfully combined physical, digital, and testimonial evidence to bring the perpetrator to justice.