PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Robert Lewis Browne will spend the next 6 years in prison for killing a visitor to Portland from Olympia, Washington.
William “Cougar” Burleigh was found lying unconscious across the street from the Portland Rescue Mission on West Burnside on Oct. 12, 2014.
Burleigh, visiting friends for the weekend, became separated from his friends after a night of bar-hopping. Police and paramedics found Burleigh suffering from a head injury. He was taken to a hospital where he died 2 days later.
On October 16, police said the case was only considered a “death investigation.”
“No witnesses approached the officers at the scene and no witnesses have come forward offering information about how Burleigh ended up on the ground,” the statement read.
Police also said there was no indication of homicide. Burleigh was wearing a T-shirt and underwear but was missing his jean shorts, wallet and phone.Medical Examiner’s report
On Oct. 15, the Oregon State Medical Examiner conducted an autopsy and concluded Burleigh’s injuries were consistent with a fall, and there was no evidence that Burleigh was assaulted, police said at the time.
Investigators learned Burleigh’s blood-alcohol level was nearly three times the legal limit.
But on Nov. 7, the medical examiner’s office changed the cause of Burleigh’s death from “undetermined” to “homicide.”Rewards offered
Burleigh’s family and friends maintained he was a victim of homicide. Crime Stoppers offered a reward of up to $1,000, and in December, friends of Burleigh offered an additional reward of up to $1,000.
Police were able to identify “reluctant witnesses” who told police Burleigh was involved with a confrontation which led to him to fall to the ground.Suspect arrested
Browne was arrested in the 4400 block of Southeast 99th by Portland police and the US Marshals Oregon Fugitive Task Force.
On Monday, Browne, 42, pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and was sentenced to 75 months (6 years, 3 months) in prison.