Boston — A man accused of beating another father to death after their sons' hockey practice went on trial Wednesday in a case that has become a national symbol of parental violence at youth sporting events.
Jury selection began in the trial of Thomas Junta, 42, who is charged with manslaughter in the 2000 death of Michael Costin. Potential jurors were asked if their children played on sports teams and if they had ever witnessed a fight between parents.
Thomas Junta, 42, center, of Reading, Mass., arrives at Middlesex Superior Court in Cambridge, Mass., for his trial in connection with the death of Michael Costin in July 2000 in Reading. Junta is accused of causing the death of Costin when the two men fought in a disagreement over a youth hockey game. Junta's attorney John O'Connor is at right.
Junta has claimed he fought in self-defense. However, prosecutors asked Superior Court Judge Charles Grabau for permission to show Costin's autopsy photos to the jury, hoping to demonstrate that Costin's injuries were "inconsistent with minimum force."
Defense lawyer Thomas Orlandi Jr. fought the move, describing the photos as "sickening," "gross" and "horrible."
"It would cause extreme prejudice to this jury," he said.
Grabau said he would allow the jury to see photos taken just before Costin's autopsy, but put off a decision on whether to allow photographs of Costin's internal injuries.
Junta faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter. Opening statements are expected to begin Thursday afternoon.
Costin, 40, was supervising practice at a community rink in Reading while Junta watched from the stands. Prosecutors say Junta became enraged when he saw body-checking in what was supposed to be a non-contact scrimmage. The two men argued on the ice, brawled in a hallway and later fought again.
Prosecutors say the 6-foot-1, 275-pound Junta pinned the 150-pound Costin and banged his head against the floor until the other man lost consciousness. He died two days later, drawing attention to a growing number of cases of parental rage at youth sporting events.
The judge has rejected defense requests to introduce Costin's psychological history, including records that showed he was taking antidepressants, and evidence about prescription drugs found in Costin's pockets and other medications that were prescribed for him.
Violence among parents and coaches has worsened over the last decade, according to the National Alliance for Youth Sports, a nonprofit organization in West Palm Beach, Fla.
"You have to have the maturity to deal with the emotions of having your child involved in sports, but unfortunately we have some parents on the sidelines screaming and yelling," alliance president Fred Engh said.
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