‘Idol’ Contestant Faces Assault Charge

Thursday, March 6th, 2003

From ‘Idol’ Contestant Faces Assault Charge:

An Ohio man booted off the Fox talent show “American Idol” in January has been charged with assault in a bar fight that resulted in a man’s death.

Jaered N. Andrews, 24, of Austintown, Ohio, is charged with simple assault for allegedly punching a man in the face Nov. 16 at the Blue Ribbon Grille in Farrell, about 60 miles northwest of Pittsburgh, near the Ohio state line.

Thomas E. Blakeley, 39, of Sharpsville, died when he fell and hit his head on the sidewalk after being punched, authorities said.
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He remains free after posting $5,000 bond and could get up to a year in prison if he’s convicted.

Mercer County District Attorney James Epstein said more serious charges aren’t warranted because Andrews didn’t intend to kill Blakeley.

A terrible situation…but a perfect opportunity to cover a certain Elvis tune…

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