I've broken up plenty of fights, both while LEO and afterwards. You're right, it is difficult. In the context of this story though that is besides the point. The point of law is that Junta continued to pound "the little guy" long after he had him under control. That is what the jury heard. That is what makes it manslaughter. That is why Junta is in prison.
The question of whether or not his kids deserve to be without their dad for ten years is irrelevant. The prisons are full of dads who are paying the price for their criminal actions. The real question is; Does Junta deserve to be in prison? The answer is yes.
You and I were probably raised with the same sense of ethic and justice. Something about this case seems to be touching an emotional, rather than an objective nerve with you. We all experience this over certain issues. This is understandable. The law however is clear.
You are right, it's too close to me. I've been jumped and kept my cool, but it was unbelievably HARD to do. The adrenalin pump was downright scary. I hardly recognized myself as I was fending off suckerpunches and talking calmly. Later, when the cops dropped me off a safe distance, my heart was still pounding, and I realized how close I'd come to throwing my adult life away.
People, it happens quickly, and you shouldn't criticize too easily unless you've lived it.