http://z13.invisionfree.com/Ms_Missing_and_UID/index.php?showtopic=50Killer takes manslaughter pleaBy MARGARET BAKER
mbbaker@sunherald.com
PASCAGOULA -- Steven Leon Andrews pleaded guilty Thursday to killing a man in an argument over drugs in 2001, though his victim's identity remains a mystery today.
Initially charged with capital murder and robbery, Andrews, 31, pleaded to a reduced charge of manslaughter in exchange for his plea. Jackson County Circuit Judge Dale Harkey deferred Andrews' sentencing until June 6.
Assistant District Attorney Brice Wiggins said the state has recommended a 20-year sentence, with 15 years to serve and five years of post-release supervision.
Andrews was arrested three years after he shot and killed the Hispanic man, whose body was found June 18, 2001, wrapped in some blankets on Old Stage Road in Jackson County near the Alabama line.
To this day, authorities, including lead investigator Jackson County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Ken McClenic, have been trying to find out the victim's identity. They're still awaiting clues in the case.
Andrews' arrest came after he started bragging to others about shooting a "Mexican" over drugs, specifically marijuana.
If the case had gone to trial, Wiggins said, they would've put on witnesses who heard Andrews brag about the killing, as well as others who could identify the items the victim was wrapped in, such as blankets witnesses had seen him with at one time.
Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd said he was thrilled the case was solved, though he still has questions.
"There is no doubt in my mind that he was guilty of killing the man," Byrd said Thursday. "I just wish we could find out who he was."
Jackson County investigators still refer to the victim as John Doe, though they're continuing to chase leads to possibly identify him.
Currently the victim's information is listed on The Doe Network, a Web site on which volunteers try to help law enforcement identify nameless victims.
The victim was a white or Hispanic man, 25 to 35, 5 feet 5 to 5 feet 7 inches tall and 250 pounds with a shaved head and a scar in the center of his forehead.
He had tattoos - a large bird, possibly a peacock or phoenix - on his right shoulder with long feathers and flowers and the name "John" on his right-upper chest. He also had the letters "E" and "F" tattooed on his inside forearm.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Jackson County Sheriff's Department at 769-3063.
Andrews
http://www.sunherald.com/201/v-print/story/593506.html
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