MERCER CO. TRIAL Testimony will begin for former 'Idol' finalist

The ex-finalist faces a charge of simple assault in the man's death.
MERCER, Pa. -- Testimony will begin Wednesday in the case of Jared N. Andrews of Austintown, accused of punching a man who died when he fell backward from the blow and struck his head on a curb.
Andrews, 24, of Westchester Court, is charged with simple assault in the death of Thomas E. Blakeley, 39, of Sharpsville.
James Epstein, Mercer County district attorney, said an autopsy showed that the punch that knocked Blakeley down didn't kill him. Blakeley died of a skull fracture that bruised his brain, Epstein said, and there was no evidence of malice or premeditation on Andrews' part to warrant a murder charge.
Andrews was a finalist in the first "American Idol" television show until he was implicated in Blakeley's death. Producers removed him from the show without comment.
Admitted he hit man
Andrews admitted to police that he struck Blakeley once outside the Blue Ribbon Grille on Broadway Avenue on Nov. 16, but said it was in self-defense as Blakeley came at him and others after they had argued inside the bar.
A jury for the trial was selected Monday and the case begins Wednesday before Common Pleas Judge Thomas Dobson.
A second man charged in the death, Jerrold L. Allen, 31, of Sharon, pleaded guilty to simple assault and other charges in the case and was sentenced to two to four years in prison.
Authorities said he punched and kicked Blakeley after he lay unconscious on the sidewalk.