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.

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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?”

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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?”

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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.