Thomas Junta of Reading, Massachusetts was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2002 after he attacked Michael Costin, who later died of his injuries. Costin was the informal referee of a pick-up hockey game involving the men's sons.[1] The fight was witnessed by about a dozen children, including Junta's son and Costin's three sons.
Junta was charged with voluntary manslaughter. The jury which tried his case opted instead to convict him of the lesser crime of involuntary manslaughter. Judge Charles Grabau sentenced Junta to six to ten years (which was twice Massachusetts' suggested sentence for involuntary manslaughter) because of the egregiousness of the crime.
In April 2008, Junta was denied parole for the second time. In denying his request, the Massachusetts Parole Board said that Junta had failed to fully accept responsibility for his actions.[2]
Junta was eventually released on August 27, 2010.[3]
Thomas Juntas son dies on Oct. 24 at 21 years old