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CNN Live At Daybreak

Hockey Dad Trial Expecting Closing Arguments Today

Aired January 10, 2002 - 05:12   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
CAROL COSTELLO, CNN ANCHOR: Closing arguments are scheduled today in the trial of a Massachusetts dad accused of beating another father to death at their sons' hockey practice. The case has focused national attention on parental violence in youth sports.

CNN's Bill Delaney has the latest from the trial.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

BILL DELANEY, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): With the prospect of 20 years in prison weighing down his bulky shoulders, Thomas Junta to a Cambridge, Massachusetts witness stand, defending himself against manslaughter. The killing of Michael Costin following a dispute after a children's pickup game of hockey a year and a half ago. The defense, that Costin started a deadly fight, jumping on Junta's back and the two fell to the ground.

THOMAS JUNTA, DEFENDANT: I didn't know what that guy was doing. It was like, I mean why's he even jumping at me so fast. He was like crazy. I couldn't understand it.

DELANEY: Corroborating testimony earlier from a child who witnessed the fight.

VOICE OF GARRETT, WITNESS: And when he jumped on his back, he put his arms around his neck, his forearms around his neck. Mr. Junta struggled for maybe five seconds and then pulled him over his back onto the ground.

DELANEY: The child backing up Junta that only three punches were thrown. The prosecution, though, insisting Junta went too far, excessive force.

JUNTA: It was three off balance punches. That's all I threw.

SHEILA CALKINS, PROSECUTOR: You never stopped between any of those punches, did you, Mr. Junta, to see whether or not that was enough?

JUNTA: It took about two seconds, ma'am, to throw three punches, and that was it.

CALKINS: Well, it would have taken a lot less just to throw one punch, wouldn't it Mr. Junta? JUNTA: Yes, it would have, but he was hitting me back the whole time.

DELANEY: A forensic pathologist called by the defense said repeated blows weren't necessary. Any punch at just the right angle could have killed Michael Costin.

(on camera): The defense, having rested after closing arguments Thursday morning, the case will go to the jury to decide whether Thomas Junta committed manslaughter or only fought in self-defense and never meant to seriously hurt Michael Costin, let alone kill him.

Bill Delaney, CNN, Cambridge, Massachusetts.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

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