Cougar Burleigh's Death: Robert Browne Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter

Browne's sentence under Measure 11 is 75 months with credit for time served.

Burleigh had been in Portland visiting friends when he was separated from those friends. Police found Burleigh unconscious on the west side of the Burnside Bridge, across the street from the Portland Rescue Mission, around 3:30 a.m. on Oct. 12. He had a head injury but was missing his pants, his cellphone and his identification. Medical personnel took him to Oregon Health & Science University, where he was hooked up to life support with brain swelling. He didn't make it.

Police initially told family and friends that Burleigh had been the victim of an accident, perhaps a bike fall. They declined to investigate his death as a homicide.

Only after family and friends applied pressure and witnesses came forward did the police launch a criminal investigation. The medical examiner's office also changed the ruling on Burleigh's death, finally classifying it as a homicide.

Police arrested Browne on Feb. 3.

Nancy Shadley, Burleigh's stepmother, spoke via phone on behalf of Burleigh's father. She said her family's life has been shattered by Burleigh's death.

"He was a kind, gentle and intelligent person who was no threat to anyone, including you," Shadley told Browne. "I do not forgive you."