Brianne Pardue

In the quiet, early morning hours of March 17, 2025, gunfire broke the silence in Portland, Oregon’s Centennial neighborhood. Officers from the East Precinct responded to reports of a shooting around 12:30 a.m. in the 14000 block of Southeast Harrison Street. There, they found the body of Brianne Pardue. The 45-year-old White woman, who was temporarily living on that street, was pronounced dead at the scene. The medical examiner later confirmed that she died of a gunshot wound and ruled her death a homicide.

Friends and family remembered Brianne as a beautiful person with a personality that could brighten up any room. A mother of two, she was passionate about planting, camping, and especially riding motorcycles, which a friend said was a chance for her to feel free. Her loved ones recalled a woman with an adventurous spirit and a great sense of humor who was always generous and willing to help others.

The investigation by the Portland Police Bureau's Homicide Unit quickly led to a suspect. Later that same day, police arrested 35-year-old Joshua Thielbar, an acquaintance of Brianne's. He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center and initially charged with Murder in the Second Degree, Unlawful Use of a Firearm, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. At his arraignment, Thielbar pleaded not guilty.

During his trial, Thielbar, who admitted to using methamphetamine on the day of the shooting, claimed he had shot Brianne in self-defense, mistaking her for an intruder. Prosecutors argued there was no evidence to support his claims of being harassed or that a window had been broken. On September 10, 2026, a Multnomah County jury convicted Thielbar of second-degree manslaughter, unlawful use of a weapon, and felon in possession of a firearm. On October 1, 2026, a judge sentenced him to 18 years in prison. The case was officially closed as of October 2026.