PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — An Oregon man has been sentenced to six years in prison after pleading no contest to second-degree manslaughter in the strangulation death of his girlfriend during what he told police was sex play.
The Oregonian reports that 44-year-old Lonnie Oscar Brown had been indicted on the more serious charge of first-degree manslaughter in the February 2010 death of 43-year-old Faith Blackbird in her Portland apartment.
A prosecutor said none of the evidence was inconsistent with Brown’s version of events. He told investigators that he didn’t realize that he’d gone too far in choking Blackbird until it was too late.
A defense attorney said Brown has a history of mental health problems.
Brown apologized at his sentencing hearing.
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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com
