ALBANY, NY – On what would have been Danny Meyer’s 41st birthday, State Assemblyman Brian Maher (R-Walden) has relaunched a campaign to keep Juan Peinado—the man convicted of killing the 11-year-old in 1996—behind bars.
Danny Meyer was on his way to an all-star baseball game in the Village of Maybrook when he was senselessly killed in an act of violence that shook the Hudson Valley community. Now, more than 25 years later, Maher is renewing a petition drive ahead of Peinado’s next parole hearing, scheduled for August 2025.
A Push for Continued Justice
Peinado, now 51 years old, has served over 25 years of a 25-years-to-life sentence at Midstate Correctional Facility. He first became eligible for parole in 2021, but a massive public outcry—including a petition signed by thousands of concerned residents—led the New York State Parole Board to deny his release.
As the parole board prepares to reconsider Peinado’s case, Maher is once again rallying the public.
“This is about justice, accountability, and public safety,” Maher said. “Danny Meyer should be a grown man today—possibly with a career, a family, and a full life ahead. Instead, his life was taken in a brutal and unforgivable act. We owe it to him and his family to make sure his memory is honored with justice.”
Honoring a Life Lost Too Soon
Maher, who previously served as Montgomery town supervisor, has been a strong advocate for victim rights and public safety throughout his political career. His latest petition aims to collect signatures from residents, community leaders, and law enforcement officials to present to the parole board.
“This petition is more than just names on a sheet,” he added. “It’s a collective voice for Danny and a powerful reminder to the parole board that the impact of this crime still resonates today.”
A Community Still Grieving
The murder of Danny Meyer left a lasting scar on the community of Maybrook and beyond. At just 11 years old, Danny was an athletic, kind-hearted boy, deeply loved by family and friends. His tragic death cut short a life full of promise and galvanized a community to seek justice.
Since Peinado’s imprisonment, community members have consistently opposed his release, arguing that the nature of the crime and its enduring emotional toll warrant his continued incarceration.
Looking Ahead
With Peinado’s parole hearing approaching, Maher urges residents across the Hudson Valley to sign the petition and voice their opposition to his release.
“We can’t change what happened to Danny,” Maher said. “But we can make sure that his legacy lives on through continued efforts to uphold justice.”
Residents interested in signing the petition or learning more about the campaign can follow updates from Maher’s office and through local outreach events in the coming weeks.
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