James Bixler pleads guilty to voluntary manslaughter

LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) – James Bixler pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter for the death of Rick Couch.

The sentence for a level two felony voluntary manslaughter ranges from 10 to 30 years and a fine up to $10,000.

As part of a plea agreement, Bixler faces a minimum sentence of 25 years, and he is required to serve no less than 75 percent of that.

Last August, a woman found 54-year-old Rick Couch on the floor in his home in Lafayette.

Bixler was sleeping in a chair next to the body. Bixler was taken into custody by police when he showed back up at the scene with blood on his chest and socks.

He eventually admitted that he and Couch got into an argument that turned physical.

An autopsy showed that Couch had been beaten on his head and that resulted in fatal brain injuries.

In court on Friday, Bixler testified that he was intoxicated. He admitted that he threw a DVD player at Couch’s head.

Under Indiana law, voluntary manslaughter is defined as knowingly or intentionally killing another human being while acting under sudden heat.

Sentencing is scheduled for June 22.