Any thoughts on the outcome?

Having been to court reporting school, I agree, but it's only part of the transcript, not the whole copy. Not to try to be a know it all here, but I do realize your point.

Cat

Hockey Dad Sentenced to Six to 10 Years
The Associated Press
Jan 25 2002 1:56PM

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) - A man who beat another father to death during their sons' youth hockey practice was sentenced to six to 10 years in prison Friday for involuntary manslaughter.
Thomas Junta, who had faced up to 20 years, was sentenced after his victim's son asked the judge to ``please teach Thomas Junta a lesson.''

Junta, 44, sat handcuffed, with his head hung low as Michael Costin's three sons, sister and mother spoke. He sobbed as his attorney talked about his own 12-year-old son, Quinlan, who witnessed the July 5, 2000, fight at a suburban Boston ice rink.

Junta's only comment during the hearing was nearly inaudible.

``I'd just like to apologize to both families and thank my family for all their support of me,'' he said. He called no witnesses.

Costin's middle son, Michael, told the judge: ``No matter how much of a sentence that you give to Thomas Junta, my dad got more.''

``Please punish Thomas Junta and do not allow him to soon get out of prison and ruin another family's life,'' the boy said. ``Please teach Thomas Junta a lesson.''

The case drew national attention as a deadly example of the growing problem of parental rage at youth sporting events.

Junta and Costin fought at the ice rink after Junta objected to rough play during a pickup hockey game. Costin was supervising his three sons, Junta's son and several other boys on the ice.

During the trial and sentencing, prosecutors painted Junta as a bully, a 270-pound truck driver who picked on a much smaller man. Supporters described him as a ``gentle giant,'' a devoted husband and father who fell victim to ``a very bad set of circumstances.''

The judge followed the prosecutors' recommended sentence, though he called it lenient and generous and said he considered exceeding it.

Junta's attorney, who had requested supervised probation for his client, said he would appeal.

Junta sobbed during the hearing as defense attorney Thomas Orlandi Jr. read from letters Junta had written to his two children.

``Remember you told the truth,'' Junta wrote in the letter to his son Quinlan. ``Remember, hockey is supposed to be fun, but it's just a game.''

Orlandi also read part of a letter written by another witness, a 12-year-old hockey player named Garrett.

``Quinn needs his dad more than anything. ... Tom didn't mean for any of this to happen. ... Please don't punish Tom for something he didn't mean and didn't want to happen,'' Orlandi read.

Before being led away, Junta raised his shackled hands to blow a kiss and wave to his family. Barbara Tracy, his sister, sobbed as other siblings tried to comfort her.

The jury in Junta's trial had determined Junta didn't intend to kill Costin but that he went too far. During testimony, a medical examiner said Costin suffered severe brain injuries that could have resulted from his head being beaten into the floor. Junta had said he tried to avoid the fight and only hit Costin in self-defense.

Some previous incidents in Junta's life, which were not brought up at trial, were taken into consideration for the sentencing.

Junta's wife, Michelle, was granted a restraining order in 1991 when she alleged that he beat her in front of their two children and another child. A court ordered Junta out of the couple's apartment and gave his wife temporary custody of the children.

Orlandi dismissed the restraining order as irrelevant and stressed that the couple was still together. But the judge on Friday read from part of that order, which said Junta hit his wife at a wedding in front of children.

Costin, 40, had four children, ages 11 through 14. His father, Gus, said Costin had a drinking problem and had been in and out of prison for much of his adult life. But he had quit drinking and was working steadily as a carpenter and painter, he said.

Six months before he was killed, he regained custody of his children.

``Don't worry about what the judge says today, Mr. Junta,'' Gus Costin said Friday. ``Worry about what the judge upstairs is going to say. That's eternity.''

Costin's sister, Mary Barbuzzi, and prosecutors said they considered the sentence fair.

``We believe justice has been served,'' Barbuzzi said. ``Our prayers will be with the Junta family, and our family will try to move beyond this tragedy.''

One man is dead, another in prison for several years and two families are devastated. It appears both men involved in the fight had histories of violence which they had sublimated in recent months, but which nevertheless emerged in that one brief and tragic incident. What can one say about all this? The system has spoken, "So let it be written, so let it be done." We can only hope the two families can cope and find eventual peace of mind.



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AMEN!!!

He should have gotten probation in my opinion. Like I stated earlier, I followed the trial on local tv ( I am in MA ), and he should never have even be found guilty. It was a poor case, and the sentencing is even poorer.

I am disgusted at the outcome.

I think alot of people missed that Costin had quite a violent past himself. He had a criminal record of assaults and battery, among other things. This was a case of self defense ( hence the INVOLUNTARY manslaughter vs. voluntary ), and even though the jury convicted him I think the sentence was way too stiff. Now 2 families are hurting, and even more children will have no father.

A self-defense alibi for use of deadly force becomes moot as soon as the instigating attacker has been subdued. What landed this guy in jail is the fact he re-entered the facility, which indicates malice aforethought; and he continued using deadly force after his attacker no longer posed any threat.



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While I'm not super familiar with the details of the case, going by what I've seen, read etc. I tend to agree with Joe here. Once Costin stopped fighting back and Junta kept up the attack, self defense was out the window. Regardless of all the technicalities (ie Costins violent background, who started the fight etc) this man killed someone and certainly deserves to be punished for it. Although I think his worst punishment is going to be the disappointment of his children in what their father is capable of.

I have to agree with Daniela. I watched the case each day...I think that accidents do happen in the heat of the moment and certainly this is one of the saddest trials I've ever seen; as far as both families are concerned.

Probation would have been stringent enough for the guy. Obviously they couldn't drag up any other dirt on the guy...a man is fallable to any kind of mistake. This wasn't premeditated and it was prevoked by Costin (yes, who has a violent backfground).

I don't have kids, but if I was fighting for fear this guy didn't seem to give a crap about my kid or the other kids safety, trust me, I probably wouldn't stop until someone wasn't moving either.

Hmmm . . . As a parent, if my child was in immediate danger, I would definitely be prepared to beat the tar out of the person who was the threat. But, in a sports situation, if I disagreed with the coach's methods, I would simply withdraw my child and lodge a complaint. Once they original situation was over, attacking the man was an error in judgement and showed a lack of self-control. At that moment the child was safe, he had other options for dealing with this situation, and physical force was not necessary. I understand the anger but allowing it to rule you sets a bad example for the child. As parents, it is our children's welfare that often guides our behavior - there are a lot of things I do because it is good for my child but it wouldn't necessarily be my first choice - and he has done his child no favors by killing this man.

Did you watch the full trial...there may be something that you didn't see. Just a thought. He's doing ten years. Probably get off in no time. I hope so, there's no need for this man to be in jail...not for an accident.

Costin came after Junta...first...and formost.
I don't think Junta's proud about what happened. I do think this guy is filled with remorse. His background is of a good, hard working man, with no prior criminal record. On the other hand, you have Costin...a man that's known to have a short fuse; to explode at any given moment.
Honestly, this man didn't deserve to die. I don't think anyone deserves to die...but, there's accidents and they do happen. Like it or not.

Ok, let me clarify for those of you who didn't watch the trial live. First of all Junta did not RE-ENTER the rink....he left the locker room area and stepped out into the foyer, where Costin approached and threw a PUNCH at him. Secondly, there was no moment that Costin was "subdued" as Mr. Cat has indicated. ALL witnesses said that the punches that Junta threw were in response to Costin kicking Junta in the face with his skates on. As far as Sunlion's post about just withdrawing your child, and making a complaint instead. Please be aware, Junta did not start this altercation. He said he thought the game was being played too rough, Costin made a comment about it just being hockey, Costin confronted Junta in the lockerroom and threw a punch at him. How can anyone say that Junta instigated it?? Are you saying if there was rough play ,you would just remove your child, and not say one single word to the coach??? You would just leave and not ever say why?? I don't believe that at all, all of us would approach the coach first, and then if he didnt' agree you would then remove your child and lodge the complaint. I have been in the situation, you ask the coach first, then if you are unsatisfied you go to someone else.

People, this is very sad case that has no winners. Its a tragedy Costin died, but it is in fact important to realize that Junta did not just "kill" this man for the fun of it. HE was attacked, and kicked and punched, and unfortunatley his retaliation was more forceful. Costin had a very violent past, and I think its important to realize this guy was not the innocent victim some of you seem to think he was. His own father served 25 years for killing his son ( Costins brother )........come on now, we are not stupid.

The judge was so unfair to hand Junta that sentence.

Costin's father put is hand on Junta shoulder and said "I don't hate you and shook Junta's hand...he says that it was because of his religion...not to hate. That's amazing and he's obviously come a long way from killing his own kid. Was that an accident?

He said his son's kids have seen lots of hatred in their family, lots of painful experiences in their childhood. The mother was/is a heroin addict, Mr. Costin has had so many other confrontations. I don't know why these kids were even with the family considering this guys past. Whatever.

I think Junta got a bad deal and I'm more than happy that they're going for that appeal ASAP.

Catarina, what I heard about Costins father was on ABC news ( Maybe it was Nightline w/ Koppel ) . Anyway, there was apparently some sort of confrontation years and years ago between the dad and his son ( Costins brother ). It escalated, and somehow the son was killed. The father was convicted of 2nd degree manslaughter, and served something like 25 years or so.

I also heard about him saying he didn't Hate Junta. Sounds to me like the whole family is a bit of a whacko. But, who am I to judge??

Thanks Daniela,

Yes, I realize that, but I didn't know if he tried to say it was an accident or not. I don't really know too much about that family, but considering there was alot of violence; that behavior is usually passed down to the sons. There's been various studies which conclude this type of violence in the household usually is carried over to the children. Mainly the males. It could lead to various types of crime. Most often than not, spouse abuse, animals abuse and in the most severe cases serial killers. Go figure!

Cat

Cat, as far as I know the father did say it was an accident. I don't really know too much about it, just what I saw on the news. But it definitly led me to believe that Costin was not the innocent man that everyone seemed to be portraying him as.

Unfortunately, I didn't have the opportunity to watch the trial, but my husband did. I, not being involved, felt initially that he should be found guilty. However, Jake told me alot about the trial and told me that he should walk away from this. It is my understanding that he was initially the victim. Was what he did wrong??? YES! However, it would be hard for any of us to say that when we are being attacked- we simply walk away. Just my 2 cents..

By the way, it is my opinion that athletics are extremely important. I was not an athlete myself, I lettered 3 yrs. for being the Varsity Volleyball Mgr. However, this experience was wonderful for me. It kept me busy, introduced me to different people, and helped with my academics. I am not saying that other extracuricular activities are not as beneficial, but I think sports are wonderful.

Now, my last opinion, has to do with parents at sporting events. I once dated a guy who was a baseball umpire for HS teams and younger- it amazed me at the way parents treated him and how parents allowed their children to treat them. This brings back the memory of the case where the wrestler headbutt the official- this should not be tolerated. Student athletes should be suspended or banned from the sport for being violent to officials. Parents and fans should be in trouble for behavior at these types of events. Just my opinion...

Oh and I to watch hockey!

Well, coming from a family that is hugely involved in hockey, I know how competitive the sport is. However, while I've seen scuffles at many a game, I've never seen such lack of self control that both of those men displayed. The whole thing was sensless, and its horrible that two sets of children are without their fathers. Yet, murder cannot go unpunished. To let this guy simply walk away from this is sending out a message that its ok if someone dies by your hand in the heat of the moment. No matter who started it, the bare fact is that a man died by anothers hand , and there has to be a consquence to that. I personally think that the judge was right on the mark with his decision.

If you watched the trial, I'm sure you wouldn't be so quick to agree with the judge. I'm shocked that anyone would give that man a sentence "just to make an example" and that's exactly what was done.

Fact is, that none of us were on the Jury, weather you watched it on T.V. or not, there are things, i'm sure that we don't know. The man was tried by a Jury of his peers and found guilty.. done deal (in this case). Should he have walked, in my opinion, NO, certainly he could have stopped the man without killing him. The "well, it was an accident " thing is B.S. You can all bet your bottom dollar that if it was a cop who had "accidently" applied too much force and killed someone, the we'd all be screaming to fry him. (Perhaps not all, but quite alot).

Does anyone actually think that this guy was in fear of his life? I mean look at the differences in size alone. I know that size doesn't matter in a fight, but figure the odds. Are there extinuating circumstances here, yeah, the idiots did it in front of kids, one would think adults would know better.

As for conduct of players on pro teams... Fights sell, seats get filled. Not that everyone goes to see a fight, but let's face it, how many empty seats would there be if there was a no fight rule.

Ken