Homicide charges filed in deadly Baldwin bar fight

A man’s death following a bar fight at the Loose Moose Saloon in Baldwin earlier this year has been ruled a homicide, and the Peters man accused of punching him is charged with homicide.

Zachary Blake, 22, is charged with homicide in connection with the July death of Mark Thompson, 51.

A criminal complaint filed in the case said police responded to a call for a fight at the Brownsville Road bar around 11 p.m. July 18 and found Thompson on the ground, unconscious and not breathing.

Witnesses told police that Thompson went outside to help another man who was fighting with two people, one of whom was later identified as Blake, according to the complaint. A witness said that when Thompson tried to break up the fight, Blake punched him in the face, knocking him to the ground, the complaint said.

One witness estimated that Blake punched Thompson 10 times and then kicked him in the face, according to the complaint. That witness said Blake was still punching Thompson as the witnesses headed to the bar to get help. Thompson, he said, was unconscious as Blake allegedly continued to throw punches.

Casey White, Blake’s defense attorney, said the incident is a clear case of self-defense.

“It’s abundantly clear my client acted in self-defense and did not intend to cause serious bodily injury to Mr. Thompson,” he said Tuesday, noting Blake was surprised by the homicide charge. “I think it’s clear my client was attacked and not the attacker.”

Thompson was taken to Jefferson Hospital and later transferred to Allegheny General because of the severity of his injuries, authorities said. He was taken off life support July 22 and died about 10 hours later.

Blake was arrested that night on charges of aggravated assault, simple assault, harassment and disorderly conduct. White said Blake will likely plead no contest in regard to those charges.

On Nov. 1, police said, the medical examiner’s office ruled Thompson’s death a homicide caused by blunt force trauma. In consultation with the District Attorney’s Office, police said, homicide charges were filed Monday against Blake. He was taken into custody and remains in Allegheny County Jail.

“We’re looking forward to using the law to our advantage,” White said. “Self-defense law is clear and so is law in defense of others. It’s clear that’s what took place during this unfortunate incident.”