A Portland man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to manslaughter and two counts of attempted murder, court documents revealed. Multnomah County District Circuit Court Judge Andrew Lavin sentenced Brandon Nicholas Gilpin to 25 years in prison on July 9, following a 2023 shooting that killed one man and frightened two others. The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office thanked the Portland Police Bureau, specifically Detective Billy Winters, for his investigation work.
The DA’s Office also praised Nang Dunn for her effort to assist victims throughout the court process. Deputy District Attorney Devin Franklin, who prosecuted the case, emphasized the serious consequences of Gilpin’s actions for the community. “This case involved shocking amounts of violence and criminal behavior over a short period of time,” Franklin told the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. “I am sure that the defendant’s actions continue to cause terror and anguish even today.” He killed one person and attempted to kill two others. I hope that this sentence will allow those touched by these atrocities to continue to seek healing.”
According to the investigation details, the deadly event occurred on February 11, 2023. Police were called to NE First Avenue and NE Hancock Street following allegations of a shooting. Officers arrived and discovered Torn Saephan, a homeless guy, dead in the road. Witnesses reported that earlier that day, Saephan had a brief interaction with two ladies living in a nearby tent and was asked to leave. Gilpin arrived in a Cadillac, spotted him sitting opposite the tent, attacked Saephan with a weapon, and ultimately fired the fatal shot.
Two days after the murder, Gilpin returned to the location and threatened the same women who had witnessed the earlier incident. He pointed a weapon at them and questioned them about their interactions with law enforcement. An airhorn malfunction foiled Gilpin’s preparations to conceal the sound of shooting, allowing the witnesses to flee unharmed. Throughout the trial and punishment, the reactions of the victims and those close to Saephan highlight the lingering grief and long-lasting anxiety caused by Gilpin’s actions on that awful day in Portland.
