A Peters Township man is now facing a homicide charge in connection with a fight outside of a bar in Baldwin over the summer.
According to court documents, a homicide charge was filed Monday against 22-year-old Zachary Blake in the death of 51-year-old Mark Thompson.
Police say they were called to the Loose Moose Saloon in Baldwin on July 18 for reports of a fight. When they arrived, they found Thompson unconscious on the ground and bleeding. He died on July 22 at a local hospital.
Witnesses allegedly told police Thompson was asked to help a friend in the middle of a verbal altercation with Blake and his brother. The confrontation became physical.
Police say as Thompson attempted to break up the fight, Blake punched him, causing Thompson to fall. As Thompson was on the ground, Blake allegedly continued punching and kicking him in the face until Thompson was unconscious. A witness told police Blake punched Thompson around 10 times.
Blake was arrested that night and initially charged with aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and two counts of disorderly conduct.
He allegedly told police he punched Thompson one or two times to defend his brother.
Allegheny County Police said the medical examiner's office ruled the manner of death was homicide on Nov. 1. Police obtained an arrest warrant for Blake Monday. He was taken into custody and is currently in the Allegheny County Jail.
However, Blake's attorney Casey White said he was surprised his client is facing homicide charges and claimed Blake was trying to defend himself.
"At no point in time did my client intend to cause serious bodily injury or cause death to this gentleman," White said. "He was simply protecting himself and protecting his brother from the attack that was initiated, unfortunately, by these two other individuals."
Blake was arraigned Tuesday morning and was denied bail. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 10.