MERCER, PA. Jury clears defendant in death

MERCER, Pa. -- A Mercer County jury apparently accepted Jared Andrews' claim that he was acting in self-defense when he punched a Sharpsville man, knocking him over backward outside a bar in Farrell.
The jury deliberated about two hours before finding Andrews, 24, of Westchester Court, Austintown, innocent of simple assault.
Thomas E. Blakeley, 39, the man Andrews struck, died of a head injury when he hit his head on the sidewalk while falling from the blow.
Andrews wasn't charged with homicide because prosecutors said there was no evidence of premeditation or malice on his part.
It was a one-punch confrontation outside the Blue Ribbon Grille on Broadway Avenue in Farrell on Nov. 16, 2002, that ended Blakeley's life.
TV show contestant
Andrews, who was a contestant on the "American Idol" television show until his involvement in this case, said he and Blakeley had argued inside the bar, and when Andrews and his friends were leaving, Blakeley came outside and renewed the argument.
Andrews said he reacted in self-defense, throwing a single punch when Blakeley moved toward him and his friends with his fists clenched.
A second man charged in the case, Jerrold Allen, 31, of Sharon, pleaded guilty to simple assault and other charges and was sentenced to two to four years in prison. Authorities said he punched and kicked Blakeley as he lay on the sidewalk.