Man pleads, is released in case of homeless man's drowning

YOUNGSTOWN — A homeless man who was charged with murder for the death of another homeless man in a Front Street parking lot pleaded guilty this morning in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court to a charge of aggravated assault.

Jayjuane Hardy, 41, was also ordered released from the Mahoning County jail after serving 18 months in jail as part of his plea arrangement.

Hardy was accused of the death of James Syster, who was found dead lying face first in a puddle in a Front Street parking lot. Police said Syster died after he was punched by Hardy during a fight.

An autopsy ruled Syster died from drowning.

Assistant Prosecutor Rob Andrews said the charge was amended because there was no proof that Hardy caused Syster's death.

Andrews said Syster fell into the puddle several feet from where he was punched and no one can say Hardy put him there.