On Monday, a New Jersey man was convicted of murder after driving drunk and killing four people that were celebrating the Fourth of July in New York City. 46-year-old Daniel Hyden, who is from Monmouth Junction, New Jersey, was found guilty of four counts of second-degree murder, one count of aggravated vehicular homicide and multiple assault counts.
The incident occurred on the night of July 4, 2024, at Corlears Hook Park where families and friends were celebrating the holiday. Prosecutors say Hyden drove his Ford F-150 pickup truck at speeds up to 54 mph and ran a stop sign, sped through a construction zone and then went over a sidewalk and through a chain-link fence into the crowd.
Victims 59-year-old Lucille Pinkney and her 38-year-old son Herman Pinkney as well as 43-year-old Ana Morel died at the scene while 30-year-old Emily Ruiz died days later from her injuries. Seven others were also injured in the incident.
Prosecutors said Hyden was intoxicated and had his foot pressed on the gas pedal and didn’t hit the brakes until half a second before the crash. After trapping victims under his truck, he tried to leave but was stopped by bystanders who removed the key from the ignition.
“Family and friends were enjoying a Fourth of July barbecue … before their lives were drastically and tragically changed forever,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. “While this verdict won’t bring them back to life, I hope that this conviction can bring at least some measure of comfort for their friends and family.”
Hyden’s defense argued that he had suffered a foot injury earlier which impacted his driving. The judge, however, found the evidence of intoxication and reckless speed convincing.
For the victims’ families and loved ones, the verdict brought relief but no closure. “Everything that we do, everything that we breathe is like a part of us is missing,” said Krystal Jimenez. “Lucille had the biggest impact on my life, and so did Herman.”
The case shows the dangers of drunk driving and the consequences when what was once a celebration turns into a tragedy.
Sentencing for Hyden is scheduled for December 3, 2025.
