Ex-FDNY Firefighter Charged with DUI Manslaughter Released on Bail in Queens

Court Decision on Bail

• 👨‍⚖️ A former FDNY firefighter, Michael Pena, has been released on $75,000 bail after being charged in a fatal crash in Queens.
• 💔 This decision has reopened wounds for the victim's family, who are seeking justice for the death of 23-year-old Justin Diaz.
• ⚖️ Pena was previously held in custody but was released after an appellate court reversed a lower court's decision.

Allegations in the Crash

• 🚗 Police allege Pena was driving drunk and high on drugs at 83 miles per hour when he ran a red light and collided with Diaz's car.
• tragically, the impact resulted in the death of Justin Diaz.
• 😔 Pena's defense team argued that the prosecution was grasping at straws for preventive detention, not a flight risk.

Victim's Family Outrage

• 😭 Justin Diaz's family expressed outrage and frustration with the legal system, stating they feel failed by the repeated release of Pena.
• 🗣️ "My cousin will never get to hug his mother... because you took that away from us," stated a family member.
• 🔒 The only condition for Pena's bail was surrendering his passport and agreeing not to apply for a new one.

Pena's Legal History and Potential Sentence

• 📜 Prosecutors highlighted Pena's alleged history of prior assaults, petty larceny, and numerous speeding tickets.
• ⚖️ If convicted of manslaughter and other charges, Pena could face up to 15 years behind bars.
• 😔 The victim's family finds the current situation unacceptable and fears for other potential victims.