Crime & Safety
'Hockey Dad' Released From Prison After Completing Sentence
Release comes after years of unsuccessful appeals and parole bids.
Thomas Junta, the Reading "hockey dad" convicted of killing another father at a July 2000 scrimmage at the Burbank Ice Arena, was released from prison today.
A spokesperson for the Massachusetts Department of Corrections said the department released Junta because he completed his sentence.
In 2002, a court sentenced the 6-foot-1, 270-pound Junta to serve six to 10 years for beating the 160-pound Michael Costin of Lynnfield to unconsciousness and causing the injuries that killed Costin the following day.
Find out what's happening in Readingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The state parole board rejected Junta's bid for early release in 2008, saying he had not shown any remorse for Costin's death, but his lawyers continued to appeal his conviction.
Earlier this month, The US Court of Appeals for the First Circuit in Boston rejected an appeal from Junta's lawyers, who argued that the prosecution suppressed evidence that could have helped Junta during his trial.
Find out what's happening in Readingwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A call to the Junta residence was neither answered nor immediately returned.
Updated 8/27 to correct Costin's town of origin.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
