“Daniel Hyden has been sentenced to 24 years-to-life in state prison for murdering four New Yorkers and severely injuring seven others as they were enjoying an annual Fourth of July barbecue. Ana Morel, Lucile Pinkney, Herman Pinkney and Emily Ruiz went to the celebration not knowing that Daniel Hyden would end their lives that day with his pickup truck,” said District Attorney Bragg. “While this prison sentence will not reverse the fatalities, injuries, and trauma, I hope this sentencing brings a measure of comfort for those who were impacted by this mass casualty event. If you are intoxicated, do not get behind the wheel – it risks the lives of others, and you will be prosecuted.”

“I know the families of the two victims continue to struggle with the loss of their loved ones every day,” said District Attorney Bragg. “The defendant now faces a significant state prison term for his extraordinarily reckless conduct and extensive efforts to evade accountability. I thank our prosecutors for their hard work to prevent this defendant from fleeing the country and securing this strong measure of accountability.” 

“Julio Cachago allegedly left an elderly New Yorker to die in the street after he hit her with his car and drove off without even checking on her condition,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Instead of notifying emergency services immediately, he allegedly only called the police the next day when he discovered his vehicle had been towed. Hit-and-runs are incredibly serious matters, and we are committed to prosecuting this type of callous vehicular violence.”  

“This was a horrific instance of vehicular violence, and my thoughts continue to be with Mr. Reid’s loved ones. This type of reckless driving– swerving in and out of traffic lines at high speeds – can have deadly consequences. As today’s guilty plea demonstrates, we will hold drivers accountable when they endanger public safety and harm New Yorkers.”   

“Family and friends were enjoying a Fourth of July barbeque in Corlears Hook Park before their lives were drastically and tragically changed forever. Daniel Hyden was intoxicated when he drove through a fence, killing Lucille Pinkney, Herman Pinkney, Ana Morel, and Emily Ruiz, as well as injuring seven others,” said District Attorney Bragg. “Today, the court found him guilty of numerous crimes for this horrific act of vehicular violence, including four counts of Murder in the Second Degree. While this verdict won’t bring them back to life, I hope that this conviction can bring at least some measure of comfort for their friends and family.”