EVERETT — Bryan James Scott, 22, pleaded guilty Thursday to first-degree manslaughter in connection with a deadly 2012 attack on another man outside a Mountlake Terrace bar.
Scott is scheduled to be sentenced next month. He admitted that he recklessly caused the death of Christopher Patterson, 32.
Under state sentencing guidelines, Scott faces up to eight and a half years in prison.
He initially was charged with second-degree murder, an offense that carries a potential sentence of more than 18 years.
According to the charging papers, Patterson and his brother got into a fight Oct. 4, 2012, with a group of men that included Scott. The fight involved fists and knives and was recorded on surveillance cameras outside O’Houlie’s Pub.
The video footage reportedly showed Patterson getting knocked down and losing consciousness.
Scott then allegedly was seen continuing to beat Patterson, kicking him and stomping on his head before fleeing.
Patterson went into a coma and never recovered, dying about seven months later.
Patterson’s death was attributed to head injuries, including brain trauma, in addition to pneumonia, according to the Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office. The medical examiner ultimately ruled the death a homicide.
Before the fight, Scott’s criminal history consisted of three misdemeanors in Snohomish County. The manslaughter conviction counts as a strike under the state’s three-strikes law.
He has posted bail since his arrest. He had been living out of custody when he appeared in Snohomish County Superior Court on Thursday.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
