It took four trials before two men were convicted of killing another in Mellon Square in 2003.

Yesterday, they were sentenced to prison.

Kristopher E. Garner, 26, was ordered to spend 171/2 to 35 years in the state corrections system. Leonard Anthony, 26, was sentenced to 25 to 50 years in prison.

Both were convicted of killing Michael Hixson, 38, of McKeesport, on Sept. 12, 2003.

Mr. Anthony stabbed Mr. Hixson, while Mr. Garner kicked and punched him.

The case first went to trial in July 2008, but unexpected testimony from a witness caused a mistrial.

The case went before another jury in October 2008, but it could not reach a unanimous verdict.

Another trial in May ended in a mistrial when a city detective noted that Mr. Garner mentioned Mr. Anthony during a statement he gave. Allegheny County Senior Common Pleas Judge John K. Reilly had ruled that the statement could not be used against Mr. Anthony.

Judge Reilly held another trial in August, and both men were convicted of third-degree murder and conspiracy.

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