Justyn Pennell, a man responsible for the intentional killing of Vietnam veteran Michael Pratt is sentenced to life in prison.
Justyn Pennell will be spending his life in prison.
The 21-year-old Hudson-native Pennell intentionally mowed down the war veteran after he had planned on killing someone for months.
The tragic event took place on January 9, 2020.
Arrested: Who Is Justyn Pennell?
Justyn Pennell is a 21-year-old man who has pleaded no contest to the murder of a Florida pedestrian. He was arrested for the first-degree murder of a 75-year-old war veteran and Grandfather Michael Pratt.
He was driving his Chrysler PT Cruiser on the afternoon of January 9 when he found the victim walking alone on the side of the road. He took a U-turn after passing from the victim and intentionally drove and mowed down the Vietnam veteran Pratt.
Pennell stated in an interview with the police about the incident where he revealed after the victim’s body fell from the vehicle following the impact, he realized about his brakes not working and maneuvered on the road before striking at the pole.
He called the deputies informing the killing of the man at around 2:46 p.m. and upon arrival at the scene, Pennell had already confessed his killing to the dispatchers.
According to the detectives, Pennell was thrilled with his actions and the complaints stated he was smiling and laughing when he struck the victim.
Justyn Pennell: Thrill Kill Murder Trail
Justyn Pennell performed a thrill kill on January 9, 2020, after he intentionally killed a 75-year-old pedestrian war veteran Michael Pratt. The murder trial took place in Dade City, Florida.
Pennell apologized for the murder of the veteran during the court hearing.
He had told the authorities about planning on killing someone for months. Pennell was charged with premeditated murder.
However, the killer changed his plea to the no contest to the charge against him 26 months after the intentional killing, just as possible jurors gathered for jury selection.
Judge Mary Handsel asked whether his decision was made voluntarily or not.
Justyn Pennell Sentence Update
Justyn Pennell is sentenced to life in prison after he pleaded no contest to the murder.
The 21-year-old man is not expected to get any parole opportunities as Florida does not offer parole for cases of murder.
Pennell is diagnosed with Asperger’s, depression, and PTSD. Although he was recommended to take medications, he was revealed to have not taken any while in jail.
During the court hearing, the victim’s daughter played the voicemails of her father and stated she is haunted by the 911 call of the killer’s confession.
Pennell’s family apologized and blamed brain imbalance and bullying for his thrill kill.