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Monday, May 20, 2013 | 2:16 a.m.

Posted: 9:06 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012

Indiana County man gets probation in assault death

INDIANA COUNTY, Pa. (AP) —

A western Pennsylvania man has been sentenced to probation in the death of a man he beat up during a bear hunting outing four years ago.

Sixty-four-year-old Stephen Shesko avoided a prison sentenced Wednesday after an Indiana County judge found health problems make Shesko unfit for incarceration.

Shesko pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in the November 2008 death of Eric Melius. Authorities say Shesko attacked Melius after the man had taunted an Amish boy who was part of Shesko's bear hunting party.

Melius died about 36 hours after the attack after leaving a hospital against a doctor's orders.

Indiana Judge William Martin said Shesko could've walked away from the confrontation but continued to assault Melius after he fell to the ground.

Shesko's attorney says he deeply regrets his actions.

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