The Lost and the Found

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PASCAGOULA --Steven Leon Andrews will spend 15 years in prison for killing a man in an argument over drugs and money in 2001.

Circuit Judge Dale Harkey imposed the sentence Wednesday, following the state's recommendation that Andrews serve 15 years, with five additional years of post-release supervision.

Andrews initially was charged with capital murder. But in exchange for a plea the charge was reduced to manslaughter.

Andrews said Wednesday he did not kill the man, who has yet to be identified, but pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of manslaughter to ensure he would one day be reunited with his family and children. The maximum sentence for manslaughter is 20 years.

District Attorney Tony Lawrence disputed Andrews' claims of innocence, saying he had nine witnesses prepared to say Andrews openly bragged about killing the Hispanic man, and even described the man's tattoo, believed to be a large phoenix.

Andrews admitted to bragging about the killing, but said he was lying to impress others because he was influenced by drug and alcohol use.

Harkey imposed the sentence Wednesday despite pleas from Andrews' family for leniency.

Andrew's sister pointed out she and her brother suffered abuse as children and lived in deplorable conditions, with no air conditioning or heat.

Students and some adults in her neighborhood, she said, often taunted the siblings because they were unkempt, wearing dirty clothes and sometime no shoes.

She said her brother had a hard time, especially as a student dealing with bullies, and he ended up quitting school in the seventh grade, leading him to a life of drug and alcohol abuse.

"I ask you judge, please, please don't throw my brother away," his sister said. "He is a good person. I know where he came from and I know what it takes to get out."

Andrews' son broke down in tears when he learned of his father's fate. At the end of sentencing, the judge allowed family members to see Andrews one last time.

Andrews' son held onto him and cried before his father was led away in a red prison jumpsuit made for maximum-security prisoners.

http://www.sunherald.com/local/story/619860.html