Hockey father convicted of involuntary manslaughter

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- The father of a young hockey player was convicted of involuntary manslaughter Friday for beating another man to death at their sons' practice as onlookers begged him to stop.

Thomas Junta, 44, bowed his head as the jury forewoman haltingly read the verdict. He said nothing and showed little reaction before he was led away as several of his brothers sobbed in the courtroom.

The burly truck driver had been tried on the more serious charge of manslaughter, which includes excessive use of force in self-defense. He faces up to 20 years in prison, but as a first-time offender will probably be sentenced to a much shorter term -- perhaps three to five years -- on Jan. 25.

After the verdict, jury forewoman Delores Feeney read a statement that concluded: "We feel we reached a very difficult but proper decision."

The closely watched case had become a symbol of what some say is a growing wave of parental violence at youth sporting events.

Junta said he killed Michael Costin, 40, in self-defense after they argued over rough play during the practice on July 5, 2000.