KEW GARDENS, NY – A former New York City firefighter appeared in Queens Criminal Court on Tuesday, facing serious charges in connection with a tragic accident that claimed the life of a young man. Michael Pena, who stands accused of driving while intoxicated and causing the fatal crash, is charged with manslaughter and driving while intoxicated (DWI).
The emotional courtroom scene unfolded as family and friends of the victim, Justin Diaz, gathered to demand justice. Diaz, a passionate aviation enthusiast and recent graduate of Vaughn College, tragically lost his life in the crash that occurred on February 26. Just two days after his untimely death, Diaz’s degree arrived in the mail, adding to the family’s grief.
Nearly two dozen members of the Diaz family were present, holding photos of the young man and calling for accountability. According to the Queens District Attorney, Pena was speeding at three times the legal limit, while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, when he ran a red light and collided with Diaz’s BMW on Northern Boulevard.
The impact of the crash was devastating. Diaz was just a block and a half away from his home, en route to an early morning shift at LaGuardia Airport. His family described him as a hardworking individual with a love for aviation and mechanics. The car he was driving, a BMW, was one he cherished and had worked tirelessly to afford.
The former firefighter, who was off duty at the time of the crash, has since been terminated from his position with the FDNY following a 28-day suspension. As the courtroom proceedings continued, the Diaz family expressed their heartbreak and the profound loss they feel.
“My son’s life mattered just like anybody else’s,” said a grieving family member. “He was an innocent 23-year-old going to work, and now our hearts are broken forever.”
The indictment against Pena was unsealed in court, revealing further details of the investigation. As the legal process unfolds, the Diaz family and their supporters remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice for Justin.