PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — An Indiana County bear hunter will avoid jail time in the beating death of another man.

Stephen Shesko pleaded guilty this morning in exchange for a sentence of five years probation along with a $1,000 fine.

Shesko was hunting with a large group back in November of 2008 when Erick Melius drove by and made a racial comment to a young Amish boy in the group.

Shesko and Melius got into a scuffle, which resulted in Melius’ death days later.

Shesko was initially charged with homicide, but the charges were later reduced.

The case was continued for years as lawyers for Shesko argued that his deteriorating mental condition would keep him from effectively participating in his own defense.

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