Pennell, 21, was driving his PT Cruiser on 2020, Jan. 9, when he observed the victim strolling alone on the side of the road, according to authorities. He passed the victim, then did a U-turn and purposefully drove his automobile into 75-year-old Michael Pratt.
The victim was a grandfather and an Army veteran. Pennell drove passed the older guy, then made a U-turn and targeted him, according to Nocco, who spoke at a news conference on Friday.
WATCH #CourtTV LIVE – #ThrillKillMurder Sentencing – https://t.co/tnYdPcEpCs
Police say Justyn Pennell told investigators that he deliberately drove his car into a random person to kill them.
The Florida man plead no contest to murder and will be sentenced today. pic.twitter.com/PsdhcWvw6o
— Court TV (@CourtTV) March 23, 2022
The PT Cruiser struck and killed the septuagenarian as he tried to get off the road, which had no sidewalks.
The man perished at the spot, which is located just south of Aripeka, on the border of Pasco and Hernando counties.
Pennell told police that when he noticed the victim going down the street with a walking stick, he did a U-turn, accelerated, and purposefully ran into him.
Pennell said he was happy and joking when he attacked the victim, according to the arrest report.
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