LOWER MANHATTAN, NY – Daniel Heiden, a former substance abuse counselor, has been convicted of second-degree murder following a catastrophic crash on the Lower East Side during last year’s July 4 celebrations. The collision claimed four lives and left a community grappling with grief.
In a courtroom filled with emotion, the judge’s declaration of guilt resonated deeply with the families of the victims. While the decision offered a measure of justice, the profound loss remains.
Conducted as a bench trial, the proceedings relied on witness accounts from the park where the tragedy unfolded. Heiden, heavily intoxicated, drove his truck into a gathering at high speed, abruptly ending what was meant to be a day of joy.
Victims Lucille and Herman Pinkney, Emily Ruiz, and Anna Morrell were tragically killed. Hector Moreno, who survived, described the chaos and the heart-wrenching sight of losing loved ones.
Before the crash, Heiden had been involved in an altercation at Pier 36, where his drunken state prevented him from boarding a party boat. Despite police involvement, he was allowed to leave, leading to the disastrous event shortly after. His blood alcohol level was recorded at 0.17.
The irony of Heiden’s past as a counselor and author of a memoir on the dangers of drinking and driving adds a poignant layer to the case.
As the community awaits the December 3 sentencing, families hope for a resolution that honors those lost and offers a path toward healing.