Old Thomas Junta example essay topic

476 words
At a youth hockey practice on July 5, 2000 in Reading Massachusetts, 44-year-old Thomas Junta, a father of one of the hockey players, beat 40 yr. old Michael Costin to death during a confrontation over "rough play". I agree with the jury's verdict that Thomas Junta is guilty of involuntary manslaughter. Thomas Junta is old enough to know that if you repeatedly strike someone in his or her head with great force then there is a very real chance that they will die, especially if you are over one hundred pounds heavier than said person. With that in mind, one should be able to stop themselves if they are in fact of competent mind. Because the definition of involuntary manslaughter is the following, an unintentional killing as a result of a battery in which the defendant knew, or should have known, a human life was endangered, I believe that this verdict is perfect for the incident in question. Also, a sentencing is an important part of what determines Thomas Junta's future.

The maximum sentence is 20 years in prison. Yet the Massachusetts state guidelines recommend three to five years for a first offender such as Junta. There are many factors to consider that should contribute to his sentencing. First off, the atmosphere was full of young children around the age of 12 years old (including the sons of the victim and the offender) who witnessed Michael Costin get beaten to death. That constitutes emotional suffering for roughly 20 children. Secondly, the manner in which Costin left this world is quite violent; as he received blows on the back of his head while his face was against the ground.

Also, his body movement was restrained by the 270 lb. man straddling his back. The motive in this case was quite trivial as well. Someone losing his or her lives over a disagreement whose root was over with completely in a matter of minutes is inane at best. Therefore, the loss of life was trivial. I believe that Thomas Junta should receive the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison due in part to the severity of his crime as well as to make a statement of sorts. Something that says that you cannot let your emotions take control of you to that point, and that just because you are a first time offender does not mean you are immune to strict punishment for the crime that you " ve committed.

He lost his right to mercy the moment he put his hands on another person. So I believe that Thomas Juntas should be held completely responsible for what he has done. He has killed someone with his bare hands and that should not be taken lightly whatsoever.