The person responsible for the arson of a historic church that had been a sanctuary for Portland's Korean American community has been found guilty but due to insanity, according to court documents. Cameron D. Storer, who also goes by Nicolette Fait, was convicted after evidence indicated she set the 118-year-old vacant church at 1438 S.W. 10th Avenue on fire earlier last year, acts driven by hallucinations. As reported by OregonLive, these voices allegedly threatened to "mutilate" Storer if she did not comply.
Following her conviction, the judge issued an order to commit Storer to the Oregon State Hospital with the potential duration of oversight by the Psychiatric Security Review Board extending up to 20 years. The court also barred her from the ability to purchase or own firearms. Details of the January 2023 incident, including the response by approximately 80 firefighters and the secondary damage incurred were detailed by a KGW report. They managed to save a neighboring house though five residents ended up displaced from the residence.
The burning of the church building, erected in 1905, was a significant loss to the community. One resident, amidst flames, recounted the historic value that the church held, emphasizing the architectural and cultural loss. "It’s just a darn shame that something this precious is gone," lamented neighbor Rebecca Morgan in an interview obtained by KOIN 6 News. Prior to the fire, the building had been sold and was owned by Dr. Hadi Nouredine, a local dentist.
The fire and the subsequent reaction from authorities happened quickly, with the potential peril of the building underscored by high winds that could have toppled the church's steeple, as per fire officials. This risk necessitated accelerated demolition plans, which the City of Portland authorized within a week of the blaze. Before the fire, the former Portland Korean Church had ceased operations, but the structure stood as a monument to the history and culture it once nurtured.
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