Driver Found Guilty of Murder in Deadly July 4th LES Crash

Guilty Verdict in July 4th Hit-and-Run

• ⚖️ A judge has delivered a guilty verdict in the trial of Daniel Heayen, accused of killing four people on July 4th.
• 🎯 The verdict was reached in a bench trial, with the judge alone determining the outcome.
• 💔 Family members of the four victims expressed relief and emotion upon hearing the verdict, calling it the justice they've awaited.

Details of the Incident

• 🚗 Prosecutors stated Heayen was intoxicated and speeding when he drove his Ford F-150 into a crowd celebrating at Corlears Hook Park.
• 🍻 Earlier body camera footage showed officers at Pier 36 denying Heayen entry to a boat party due to intoxication and a subsequent fight with security.
• 🤕 The defense argued Heayen's foot injury caused him to lose control of the vehicle, but the judge rejected this claim.

Victims and Sentencing

• 😔 Four victims—Anna Morell, Lucille Pinkney, Herman Pinkney, and Emily Ruiz—lost their lives, with seven others injured.
• 🎤 The District Attorney highlighted how Heayen tragically ended the lives of individuals who frequented the park.
• 🔒 Heayen showed little reaction to the verdict and faces sentencing on December 3rd, with a potential for life in prison.
• 🕊️ While the verdict offers closure, families acknowledge it cannot bring back their loved ones.