A Milwaukie man, Cody James Denewith, has been sentenced to over two decades behind bars for the fatal shooting of a former co-worker in what was described as an act driven by jealousy. Denewith, 27, received a 27-year sentence on Monday for the murder of Nathan Dean Anderson, who was 25 years old at the time of his death on April 29, 2024. According to the Clackamas County news release, Anderson succumbed to three gunshot wounds to the abdomen and was pronounced dead after being taken to Oregon Health & Science University.
Denewith and the victim had worked together at Dave’s Killer Bread before the tragic incident unfolded. The investigation unfolded, quickly pointing to Denewith as the prime suspect. He had recently been jailed for a separate domestic violence charge involving his girlfriend, Dominique Marie Britt. During his time away, Britt accused Anderson of sexual assault, an allegation that became the catalyst for Denewith's subsequent actions. Senior Deputy District Attorney Bryan Censoni was quoted in the Clackamas County news release, saying Denewith was "consumed by the belief that it had happened" and "fixated ... on getting revenge."
Denewith shared the plan that led to Anderson’s death with Britt days before the shooting. Denewith also contacted family members through text messages, looking for assistance in carrying out his planned act of vengeance, though none obliged. Denewith later requested Britt to pack clothes and their handgun, referred to as a "toy" in coded language. Dominique Marie Britt has since admitted to authorities that she complied with his request, fully aware of his murderous intention.
Both Britt and Denewith were initially charged with Second-Degree Murder. However, Britt, also 27, pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree and Unlawful use of a Weapon, receiving 150 months in prison for her role. Denewith also accepted a plea deal, entering a guilty plea to Manslaughter in the First Degree and Assault in the First Degree with a Firearm on Monday. He received a 240-month sentence for manslaughter coupled with an additional 90 months for the assault charge. Denewith’s prior convictions in Clatsop County for being a felon in possession of a firearm and a burglary conviction in Oklahoma in 2016 were highlighted in the proceedings.
The prosecution team, consisting of Senior Deputy District Attorney Bryan Censoni and Deputy District Attorney Tiffany Escover, lauded the swift and thorough investigative efforts by Clackamas County Sheriff’s Det. Stephen Hunter, along with the Sheriff’s Office. This work was instrumental in building the case that resulted in the successful prosecution and subsequent sentencing of both Denewith and Britt, as outlined in the Clackamas County Circuit Court cases 24CR23608 and 24CR24308, respectively.
