Home / Crime and Justice / Drunk Driver Pleads Guilty in Fatal Crash
Drunk Driver Pleads Guilty in Fatal Crash
2 Jul
Summary
- Fired firefighter pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges.
- Crash killed a young airport worker on his way to work.
- Driver was intoxicated and speeding through a red light.
A drunk driving incident last year resulted in a guilty plea to manslaughter charges for former firefighter Michael Peña. The crash tragically killed Justin Diaz, a 23-year-old airport worker heading to his job. Peña, driving at 83 mph, ran a red light in East Elmhurst, colliding with Diaz's car.
Blood tests revealed Peña was under the influence of cocaine and marijuana, with a blood-alcohol content nearly twice the legal limit. He has now admitted guilt, providing closure for the victim's family. Peña faces a sentence of four to 12 years for manslaughter and 16 months to seven years for vehicular manslaughter.
Prosecutors stated Peña was speeding significantly over the limit after drinking at a Queens bar. Diaz, a Delta baggage handler, was also pursuing an aeronautics degree. His family received his diploma posthumously, placing it in his casket.
