William Bergeron, 72, was found dead in his Manchester, Washington home on October 27, 2022. His wife, Colleen Jean Bergeron, 70, had told a neighbor she found him after he shot himself in the head; a gun was found in his hand and a lengthy, blood-smeared note was leaning against his body. Investigators later concluded the death scene was staged. Security-camera footage taken days earlier reportedly shows Colleen carrying the gun into the room, and detectives say she used a towel or shirt and latex gloves to avoid leaving prints. A handwriting expert determined the note was forged, and an autopsy reportedly showed William did not have the cancer Colleen had cited as a reason for his alleged depression and suicide.

Colleen Bergeron was arrested November 16, 2022, and charged with first-degree murder. Authorities described her statements during interview as confusing and contradictory, and said she had taken steps that suggested plans to flee, including listing the house and car for sale and having a packed RV and horse trailer. Bail was set at 10 million and she pleaded not guilty at arraignment. Later evaluations by three experts diagnosed her with dementia and found her incompetent to stand trial; the first-degree murder charge was dismissed and she was admitted to Western State Hospital for competency restoration. William’s family continues to seek answers and justice.

If anyone knew William, Colleen, or observed activity at the Bergeron home in late October 2022, please share information that might help investigators.