Conviction of NJ Man Who Killed Four on NYC's July 4th Celebrations
A New Jersey resident, Daniel Hyden, has been found guilty of murder and other charges for driving under the influence that fateful night in Corlears Hook Park, a Manhattan park where families were celebrating the nation's birthday. The devastating accident claimed the lives of four people: Lucille Pinkney, 59, her son Herman Pinkney, 38; Ana Morel, 43; and Emily Ruiz, 30.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Hyden, 46, was driving at an alarming speed – over 50 mph – without braking until just before impact. His reckless actions led to a fatal collision with innocent bystanders who were enjoying the holiday festivities. What's more, witnesses described how Hyden attempted to flee by reversing his truck but was thwarted when someone intervened and pulled out the key from the ignition.
Four of those injured in the incident suffered severe injuries that made it difficult for them to walk. The victims' families have been left to pick up the pieces and find solace in the conviction, which while brings no comfort to their loss, may provide some measure of closure.
It's striking that Hyden once worked at a substance abuse center and earned a degree in psychology and addiction counseling – a stark contrast to his current fate. The Manhattan District Attorney described the incident as "horrific" and called for justice.
Hyden is now scheduled to return to court on December 3rd to face sentencing, but his lawyer remains tight-lipped about their strategy.
A New Jersey resident, Daniel Hyden, has been found guilty of murder and other charges for driving under the influence that fateful night in Corlears Hook Park, a Manhattan park where families were celebrating the nation's birthday. The devastating accident claimed the lives of four people: Lucille Pinkney, 59, her son Herman Pinkney, 38; Ana Morel, 43; and Emily Ruiz, 30.
Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Hyden, 46, was driving at an alarming speed – over 50 mph – without braking until just before impact. His reckless actions led to a fatal collision with innocent bystanders who were enjoying the holiday festivities. What's more, witnesses described how Hyden attempted to flee by reversing his truck but was thwarted when someone intervened and pulled out the key from the ignition.
Four of those injured in the incident suffered severe injuries that made it difficult for them to walk. The victims' families have been left to pick up the pieces and find solace in the conviction, which while brings no comfort to their loss, may provide some measure of closure.
It's striking that Hyden once worked at a substance abuse center and earned a degree in psychology and addiction counseling – a stark contrast to his current fate. The Manhattan District Attorney described the incident as "horrific" and called for justice.
Hyden is now scheduled to return to court on December 3rd to face sentencing, but his lawyer remains tight-lipped about their strategy.
Like what was he thinking?! I mean, I know it's one of those crazy summer nights where everyone's out having fun, but come on! 
And to make matters worse, he tried to flee the scene? That's just insane! 
The fact that he used to work at a substance abuse center and had a degree in psychology is just wild. You'd think someone who's supposed to help people with addiction would be way more responsible with their own life 
Anyway, I hope he gets a decent sentence when he goes back to court on the 3rd 
. four innocent people lost their lives in the most important celebration of the year, and it's just... wow. Daniel Hyden's actions were completely unacceptable, driving at that speed without braking? what was he even thinking?! 
. anyway, i hope he gets what's coming to him on December 3rd... no more pain or suffering 
Can you even imagine? He was speeding like a madman and didn't even try to stop... what if he had just pulled over or called for help?! 
It's like, two completely different worlds right? 
The families of the victims must be still trying to process everything...
and senseless. I don't get how someone can be driving that fast without brakes on a holiday where everyone's supposed to be having fun and enjoying themselves with their families 
. And the fact that he was working at a substance abuse center and had a degree in psychology... it just goes to show that you never really know what people are capable of, right? 
I mean, I'm glad justice has been served and the victims' families can finally get some closure, but man... this is just so tragic 
. And now he's gotta face sentencing in December... poor guy, I hope he gets a fair shake 
this whole thing is just crazy, you know? some guy gets behind the wheel after a night of drinking and kills four people... it's like, what's going through your mind? 
. his attempt to flee just showed how cowardly he is... i mean, what's there to be proud of in trying to leave the scene after causing such destruction? anyway, sentencing is coming up and hopefully justice will be served 
Hopefully he gets a fair sentence on Dec 3rd and can face the consequences of his actions. 
And poor families who lost ppl... 
Like, what's next? He'll be out in the streets, serving his time, and we'll all have to live with the guilt of knowing he was behind it all... 
.
Justice will hopefully be served on Dec 3rd