The attorney representing a State College man charged with the first- and third-degree murder of a Penn State student said yesterday that his client was acting in self-defense and should not be charged with first-degree murder.

"My client was being robbed," Centre County Public Defender David Crowley said. "He was in danger in his own house -- he is allowed to use deadly force as a defense."

Andrew A. Rogers, 28, was charged Tuesday after the State College Police Department found Penn State student Youngcheol Park, 24, dead in Rogers' residence at 224 Nimitz Ave. days after the incident was said to have occurred -- last Thursday night into early Friday.

Centre County District Attorney Michael Madeira said Crawford's thoughts on the charges are something the jury must decide in the trial.

"The starting point for this investigation is the story Rogers gave the police," Madeira said. "Forensic evidence will show us what really went on in his house."

An autopsy performed by the Centre County Coroner's office yesterday revealed that Park died from multiple skull fractures to the right side of his head. The cause of death was blunt force trauma, and Coroner Scott Sayers ruled the death a homicide.

Rogers walked into the Uniontown Police Department on Monday evening and said, "I think there may be a body in my kitchen." According to the criminal complaint, Rogers then gave a statement detailing the incident.

When police entered Rogers' residence early Tuesday, they found Park's decomposing body face-up in the kitchen near a bloody baseball bat and bloody clothing. There were multiple injuries to the face and head.

In a statement to police, Rogers said he, Park and another friend, identified only as "Sweet," were in the residence when a fight broke out.

According to that statement, Rogers observed "Sweet" looking through cash and Rogers confronted him.

Rogers said "Sweet" then placed a garbage bag over Rogers' head. Then, Rogers grabbed a rolling pin from between couch cushions, and a fight involving all three men ensued.

Rogers said he put a chokehold on Park, punched him, placed a garbage bag over his head and struck him numerous times with the rolling pin.

Rogers said he took a bottle from Park and struck him at least two times with the bottle, causing Park to go "relaxed," according to court documents. Rogers said he also struck "Sweet" numerous times with a baseball bat.

Rogers said he then turned and saw Park pull a gun from a backpack, which prompted him to strike Park on the arms with the baseball bat, which caused Park to drop the gun.

When Park went for the gun again, Rogers said he struck him again.

Park rolled onto his back and reached out for the baseball bat, according to the statement. Rogers said he began striking Park again and observed "Sweet" pulling small white bags of cocaine from Park's bag.

Rogers said he turned and saw Park going for the gun, which was on the kitchen floor. He then struck Park in the face a few more times. Rogers said he put the baseball bat under Park's chin and placed his knees on it.

According to the statement, "Sweet" picked up the gun and pointed it at Rogers. Rogers covered his head and recalls nothing more from the incident.

Rogers said he woke up on Park's body and put the baseball bat against the wall.

He wrote that he ripped his bloody clothes off in the kitchen and checked Park's throat but did not get a pulse. Rogers said he then washed himself in the sink and packed his suitcase before taking Park's wallet and leaving.

The gun Rogers reported was involved in the incident has not been located, State College Police Chief Tom King said at a press conference Tuesday. King also said they are investigating the identity of "Sweet," and anyone with information is urged to call the department at 234-7150 or anonymously at 1-877-898-3784.

Madeira said there have been no new developments in the case since Tuesday's press conference. There have been no tips on the identity of "Sweet" and no forensic evidence processing has been completed, he added.

Lisa Detwiler (sophomore-business management) said she worked with Rogers at The Deli, 113 Hiester St., until a few weeks ago, when he left.

"He was a very odd man," Detwiler said. "Everyone is talking about it nonstop at the restaurant."

Repeated calls to the owner of The Deli were not returned.

Rogers is being held at the Centre County Prison without bail. His preliminary hearing is set for 9 a.m. next Thursday at the Centre County Courthouse.