Justin Pennell was arrested last week for intentionally hitting and killing a 75-year-old Vietnam War Veteran Michael Pratt with his vehicle on Aripeka Road.
Nothing about Thursday afternoon’s car accident in Aripeka that resulted in the death of a pedestrian was accidental, Pasco County Sheriff Chris Nocco.
According to Nocco, Justin Pennell was running errands Thursday afternoon and driving his red Chrysler PT Cruiser. Around 2:30 pm, at the intersection of Aripeka Road and Old Dixie Highway, he saw a man walking on the side of the road.
The investigation, with assistance from the Florida Highway patrol, continues and Rosa said search warrants are being obtained for Pennell’s vehicle and various electronic devices.
Justin Pennell Thrill Kill Murder: Michael Pratt Killing Trial Update
Justin Pennell was driving his PT Cruiser on January 9 when he saw the victim Michael Pratt walking alone on the side of the road.
He passed the victim, then made a U-turn and intentionally drove his car toward. As per investigators, the victim was an Army veteran and grandfather.
“He didn’t deserve this… I’m sorry.”
Justyn Pennell speaks at his sentencing in the #ThrillKillMurderTrial. Pennell was accused of intentionally killing 75-year-old Michael Pratt, a Vietnam veteran.
WATCH #CourtTV LIVE – https://t.co/tnYdPcDRMU pic.twitter.com/cAPz84hMZA
— Court TV (@CourtTV) March 23, 2022
In an interview with police, Pennell said that the victim’s body stayed on the hood of his car following impact. After the victim fell off the vehicle, he said he realized his brakes were not working.
He told authorities that, he planned to kill someone for months. He was charged with premeditated murder.
Two years and two months after killing, he changed his plea to no contest to the charge against him, just as potential jurors gathered for jury selection.
Justin Pennell Wikipedia
Justin Pennell has not been featured on Wikipedia pages.
He has killed a 75-year-old Vietnam War veteran with a wooden walking stick. The unidentified male died at the scene.
After hitting the victim, his vehicle sustained damage and broke down. The defendant then called 911 not far from the scene, admitted to running down the victim, and waited for law enforcement to arrive.
He told the court, he’s been diagnosed with Asperger’s depression and PTSD.
Justin Pennell Family Details
Justin Pennell was born to his parents. However, there is no such information about his family members.
As per rules and law, his private record is under review.
Is Justin Pennell Still In Jail?
Justin Pennell is still in jail under first-degree homicide in Florida carries a mandatory sentence of life. There is no parole opportunity for murder in Florida.
The critical motion filed by the defense requesting that his autism and Asperger’s diagnoses be admitted at trial was denied, prompting the decision to plead out.