Drunk driver found guilty of killing four people in July 4 incident on Lower East Side.

A Manhattan judge has convicted Daniel Hyden, a 44-year-old author known for his writings on alcoholism, of four counts of second-degree murder in connection with a tragic July 4 incident that resulted in the deaths of four individuals. The verdict, handed down by State Supreme Court Justice April Newbauer, followed a bench trial where evidence revealed that Hyden was driving under the influence when he crashed his Ford F-150 into a gathering of people at Corlears Hook Park on Manhattan’s Lower East Side.

The incident took place shortly after Hyden was denied entry to a nearby boat party due to his level of intoxication. According to trial testimony, he was traveling at speeds reaching 54 miles per hour when he accelerated through a stop sign, barreled through a construction zone, and ultimately crashed into the park where community members were celebrating Independence Day. The prosecution presented disturbing evidence, including details that Hyden accelerated even as he approached a crowd, with his foot on the gas pedal until half a second before impact.

The catastrophe claimed the lives of Hernan Pinkney, 38; his mother, Lucille Pinkney, 59; Ana Morel, 43; and 30-year-old Emily Ruiz. Additionally, seven others sustained injuries during the incident, including children. Family members of the victims provided emotional testimony during the trial, recalling the joy of the holiday celebration that was abruptly transformed into unimaginable tragedy.

Following the collision, Hyden attempted to flee the scene despite the wreckage left behind. His actions were halted by witnesses, one of whom testified about taking the keys from the ignition and confronting the driver, who showed no signs of having taken responsibility for his actions in that moment. Liliana Ruiz, mother of one of the deceased, expressed her heart-wrenching experience of witnessing her daughter’s final moments, painting a vivid picture of loss and grief.

Prosecutors emphasized that Hyden’s awareness of the dangers of impaired driving was illustrated in his own writings. His book, “The Sober Addict: A Guide on How to Be Functional With the Dysfunctional Disease of Addiction,” contains admissions of the risks he posed while drinking and driving. This was poignantly highlighted during the trial, signifying a profound level of negligence leading to the horrific consequences of that day.

Hyden is scheduled to be sentenced on December 3, where he faces a potential life sentence. This case serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of drunk driving and the loss it can inflict on families and communities. The legal and emotional ramifications of this tragedy continue to resonate, shaping discussions around road safety and the importance of accountability in preventing such incidents in the future.