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Daniel Hyden Sentenced to 24 Years to Life for July 4 Park Crash That Killed Four

The punishment follows murder convictions secured after evidence of intoxication, reckless speed, plus an attempted escape.

Overview

  • A New York State Supreme Court judge found Hyden guilty on November 3, 2025 of all counts, including four counts of second-degree murder and aggravated vehicular homicide.
  • Prosecutors showed he accelerated through a stop sign at 39 mph, reached 54 mph through a construction zone, went over a sidewalk, and broke through a chain-link fence into Corlears Hook Park.
  • The crash killed Lucille Pinkney, Herman Pinkney, and Ana Morel at the scene, and Emily Ruiz died five days later; seven others were injured, four of them seriously.
  • Witnesses halted an attempted flight by removing the truck’s key after Hyden tried to reverse with victims trapped under the vehicle.
  • Officials reported a blood alcohol level of 0.17, and District Attorney Alvin Bragg said the sentence aims to deliver accountability and a measure of comfort for those affected.