Closing arguments in trial of Edmonton senior accused of killing son-in-law

Sobbing could be heard in court on Friday as the defence lawyer for a senior accused of killing his son-in-law in 2016 argued his client should be found guilty of manslaughter, instead of second-degree murder.

In his closing remarks, Mike Danyluik said 75-year-old Roberto Robles had a hatred for 38-year-old Armando Cosmea-Aspillaga, stemming from the separation and custody dispute with Robles’ daughter.

“There was no motive, just bitter distaste,” Danyluik said.

READ MORE: Trial begins for Edmonton senior accused of killing son-in-law

The trial began last Wednesday when court heard Cosmea-Aspillaga met his wife, Flavia Robles, at a wedding in Cuba in 2009. The couple began a relationship and were married in late 2010.

Less than a year later, Cosmea-Aspillaga immigrated to Edmonton. In 2013, the couple celebrated the birth of their daughter.

On Friday, Danyluik told the court that Robles believed his son-in-law had exploited his daughter to come live in Canada. The couple had separated but continued to live in the same home. Danyluik said Robles wanted Cosmea-Aspillaga to move out.

On June 17, 2016, Robles and his wife came to the couple’s home to look after their granddaughter, while Cosmea-Aspillaga went to work and Flavia headed to Calgary.

Cosmea-Aspillaga was supposed to attend a party after his day of work as a labourer in Nisku. He planned to head home and change first.

It’s the Crown’s theory that the senior (who was 73 at the time) ambushed and murdered his son-in-law in his Riverbend home.

READ MORE: ‘It’s like losing a brother’: Friends grapple with death of man in SW Edmonton

“Why would you ambush someone with your wife and granddaughter at home?” Danyluik said. “Why ambush when there’s witnesses?”

The Crown told the jury Cosmea-Aspillagahad had five pellet wounds – one in the middle of his forehead and another behind his ear. The Crown said after that burst of pellet fire, Cosmea-Aspillaga was stabbed multiple times.

When police arrived, Robles let the officers inside his home and provided them the knife and the gun.

“He served himself up on a platter. Why would he do that if he intends on killing someone?”

In court on Friday, Robles could be heard sobbing as his lawyer recounted the recorded interview with police. In the video, Robles admits to the killing, calling it a “huge mistake.”

Following instructions from the judge, the 12-person jury will begin deliberations Monday morning.