Ex-FDNY Firefighter Michael Pena Granted Bail in DUI Death of Justin Diaz

Family Outrage Over Bail Decision

• 💔 Family and friends of Justin Diaz express fury, disgust, and sickness over the decision to grant bail to Michael Pena, the man accused of killing Diaz.
• 🗣️ They feel Pena is not facing the full weight of the justice system while they mourn their loss.

Allegations Against the Accused

• 🚗 Michael Pena, a former FDNY firefighter, is accused of driving drunk, high on cocaine and marijuana, and speeding at 83 miles per hour.
• 🚨 Investigators allege Pena blew through a red light, causing a fatal collision with Justin Diaz's car on February 26th.
• ⚖️ Pena faces 14 charges, including manslaughter and DUI, and has pleaded not guilty.

Legal Proceedings and Bail Conditions

• 📜 Pena was initially released on bail, then remanded, but an appellate division reversed a judge's order, mandating bail with conditions.
• ✈️ In court, Pena surrendered his passport, and his family posted the $75,000 bail.
• 🧑‍⚖️ The appellate division determined Pena was not a flight risk and met the release conditions.

Victim's Background and Family's Plea

• 🎓 Justin Diaz was a hardworking individual who had recently earned a degree in aeronautics.
• ✈️ He was on his way to work at LaGuardia airport when the fatal crash occurred.
• 🏛️ Diaz's family implored the appellate justices to reconsider their decision, questioning if they would release the alleged killer of their own loved ones.
• 🗓️ Michael Pena is scheduled to appear back in court on May 15th in Queens.