Deal allows Joseph Marsala to escape murder charges.

Joseph "Joey" Marsala, the 18-year-old man accused of stabbing a Tigard man to death in Lincoln City a year ago, will spend 23 years in prison.

Marsala pleaded guilty on Friday to several counts stemming from the June 25, 2011, bludgeoning and stabbing of Darrin Dow, 49, at a home Dow owned in Lincoln City.

Marsala was 17 at the time of the attack, but was charged as an adult under Measure 11.

Marsala pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit aggravated murder, first-degree manslaughter, first-degree attempt to commit robbery, and first-degree attempted assault.

The charges are lighter than prosecutors had first sought, and came after a two-day settlement conference.

Multnomah County Judge Eric Bergstrom oversaw the settlement. He met with attorneys, the victim’s family and Marsala, according to Lincoln County District Attorney Rob Blovett.

In return for the guilty pleas, more serious charges of murder and aggravated murder were dropped.

“This has been a huge tragedy for the Dow family,” said Michelle Branam, a deputy district attorney who prosecuted Marsala. “Hopefully this is a resolution that can offer some comfort to the family.”

Marsala, who lived in Oak Grove, near Milwaukie, was arrested two days after the murder.

The Lincoln City News Guard newspaper reported in July 2011 that Marsala planned to plead self-defense in the slaying. His attorney Elizabeth J.C. Baker claimed Dow had supplied the teenager with alcohol and drugs and had targeted him for sexual abuse.

Dow’s body was found after a tip led Lincoln City authorities to a home he owned in the 2100 block of Northeast Reef Avenue along the Oregon coast.

Marsala and another teenager had gone with Dow to the home on June 24.

The murder was believed to have happened sometime over the next two days.

Lincoln City police said Marsala hit Dow over the head with a garden hoe and stabbed him in the neck and stomach with a knife, then stole Dow’s wallet, which contained credits cards and about $100 in cash. He then reportedly drove to Portland in Dow’s Cadillac with the garden tool and knife.

Dow’s body was found June 26 after the second teen called police and said he witnessed the murder.

Dow’s vehicle was found in Northeast Portland near 18th Avenue and Davis Street.

A member of Marsala’s family also called police.

Before his arrest on June 26, Marsala posted a note on Facebook, which read: "O god please forgive me, for I have sined. I guess I must forgive my self first before you can. I hope my friends, family, loved one's can forgive me. All of you will understand soon enough. Please an come see me when I'm out of sight."

At the time of his death, Dow was enrolled in a drug treatment program through Multnomah County. He had entered a diversion program earlier that year after pleading guilty to possession of cocaine.

The Dow murder was one of three murders to happen in the Tigard-area in June 2011.

Two weeks earlier, Kristina Buckley, of Sherwood was arrested on June 7 for strangling her 11-year-old daughter Cecilia to death. Last week Buckley was found guilty except for insanity, in the girl’s death.

Kaliq Mansor, of Metzger, was arrested on June 24 for the murder of his 11-week-old son. Motions in Mansor’s trial are expected Friday.