Manhattan Park Barbecue Attacker Sentenced to 24 Years to Life
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A man who intentionally drove a pickup truck into a crowded Fourth of July barbecue in Manhattan has been sentenced to 24 years to life in prison, bringing a measure of closure to a devastating tragedy.
- Daniel hyden, 46, was convicted of murder and aggravated vehicular homicide in November.
- The attack at Corlears Hook Park in 2022 killed four people and injured seven others.
- Survivors expressed mixed emotions following the sentencing, questioning the sincerity of Hyden’s remorse.
- Prosecutors emphasized the danger of drunk driving, warning against operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
A man who deliberately plowed a Ford F-150 pickup truck into a Fourth of July barbecue in a New York City park has been sentenced to 24 years to life in prison. The harrowing incident, which unfolded two years ago, claimed the lives of four people and left seven others injured.
The Devastating Crash and Its Aftermath
Daniel Hyden,46,of Monmouth,New Jersey,was found guilty in november following a non-jury trial of murder,aggravated vehicular homicide,and related charges. The attack occurred at Corlears Hook Park in Manhattan when Hyden’s truck mounted a curb, breached a chain-link fence, and crashed into the gathering.
The victims were identified as Ana Morel, 43; Lucille Pinkney, 59; her son, Herman pinkney, 38; and Emily Ruiz, 30. Halena Herrera was one of the seven people injured in the attack. During the sentencing, Hyden reportedly stated, “I knew what he did, he knew the possibility he coudl’ve caused and he did it.”
Events Leading Up to the Crash
Prosecutors revealed that less than an hour before the crash, Hyden had been denied entry to a nearby party boat and had a confrontation with security personnel. Responding police officers testified they observed no grounds for an arrest and left him on a park bench. Hyden then entered his vehicle, accelerating through a stop sign at 39 mph (63 kph), speeding through a construction zone, and driving over a sidewalk at up to 54 mph (87 kph) before reaching the park.
Witnesses reported that Hyden maintained full pressure on the accelerator and did not apply the brakes until half a second before impact. They later pulled the keys from the ignition when he attempted to reverse.
A Warning Against Drunk Driving
manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg stated,”While this prison sentence will not reverse the fatalities,injuries,and trauma,I hope this sentencing brings a measure of comfort for those who were impacted by this mass casualty event.” He issued a stern warning: “If you are intoxicated,do not get behind the wheel – it risks the lives of others,and you will be prosecuted.”
Both Herrera and Pinkney expressed hope that Hyden will remain incarcerated for life.Herrera, currently studying to become a therapist, continues to struggle with depression and post-traumatic stress. “Every day, I’m worried that something else can happen,” she said. “But to live it is a different thing. So, now it’s like: Am I going to get hit by a car crossing the street? Is something going to happen to me?”
