Cambridge, Mass. — The jury in the manslaughter case against a hockey dad began deliberating Thursday whether he was a "gentle giant" who fought back in self-defense, or just a bully.
Thomas Junta, 44, could get up to 20 years in prison if convicted of beating another father to death in a case that has drawn national attention to parental violence at youth sporting events.
Family and friends of Michael Costin react during prosecution closing arguments to the jury at the manslaughter trial of Thomas Junta in Cambridge, Mass. The case of Junta charged in the July 5, 2000, death of Michael Costin after a youth hockey practice, went to the jury Thursday.
Junta claimed he was defending himself when he beat Michael Costin, 40, into unconsciousness on July 5, 2000, in an argument over rough play at their sons' hockey practice. Several young skaters, including the men's sons, witnessed the fight between the 270-pound Junta and Costin, who was an inch shorter and 114 pounds smaller.
"Send Tom Junta back to his hockey family," defense attorney Thomas Orlandi Jr. urged the jury during closing arguments. He described his client as "gentle giant" worried over what the other man might do.
Prosecutors mocked that description, saying Junta used his size to overpower Costin and pummeled him in an attack that ruptured an artery in Costin's neck.
Prosecutor Sheila Calkins dropped to her knees before the jury and flailed her arms as she described how the burly truck driver struck the other man as he lay on the ground beneath him. She said Junta left Costin to die.
"He took (Costin's) head, and he slammed it into the mat," she said. "The 'gentle giant."'
Junta listened to closing arguments with one elbow on the defense table, his head resting on his fist, his eyes cast downward.
Costin's four children three boys who were at the rink the day of the fight and a younger daughter were in the courtroom as the trial wrapped up. Junta's 17-year-old daughter and 12-year-old son, Quinlan, who testified in his father's defense, also attended.
Jurors deliberated about 3 1/2 hours Thursday before recessing for the night. They were to resume this morning.
The judge said the jury may consider manslaughter as well as involuntary manslaughter. Both charges carry up to 20 years in prison, but guidelines for first-time offenders like Junta call for shorter sentences.
The dispute between the two men started when Junta grew angry at rough play during what was supposed to be a non-contact scrimmage. Costin, who was supervising the game, told him: "That's hockey" and they exchanged profanities. After the game, the two men scuffled.
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