Ex-Firefighter Jailed After Fatal DWI Crash in Queens

Fatal Queens Crash and DWI Allegations

• 💔 A 23-year-old man, Justin Diaz, was killed in a February crash in Queens while on his way to work.
• 🚗 The accused, off-duty firefighter Michael Pena, was allegedly speeding at 83 mph in a 25 mph zone and t-boned Diaz's car.
• ⚖️ Prosecutors stated Pena smelled of alcohol, had a blood alcohol level of.156, and still had cocaine and marijuana in his system hours after the crash.

Victim's Family Seeks Justice

• 🎓 Justin Diaz's family received his college degree the day of his wake, highlighting his promising future.
• ✅ The family expressed happiness when the judge ordered Pena to be held without bail, feeling the seriousness of the situation was finally acknowledged.
• 😔 Diaz's mother stated that the potential 15-year sentence for Pena is not enough time compared to her son's lost life.

Pena's Past and Legal Proceedings

• 🚨 Prosecutors detailed Pena's history of legal troubles, including prior assaults, petty larceny, and numerous speeding tickets.
• ⚖️ The judge considered Pena's past when deciding to deny bail, despite the defense arguing he was not a flight risk.
• 🚗 The defense lawyer suggested discrepancies in the police report, claiming the victim ran the red light, which contradicts the prosecution's account.
• 👨‍🚒 Pena, a probationary firefighter, has since been fired by the FDNY.
• 🚫 Pena has pleaded not guilty to charges including manslaughter.