Man Who Ran Down Vietnam Veteran In Cold Blood Just To See What It Felt Like Learns His Fate

A Florida man will spend the rest of his life in jail after confessing to murdering a 75-year-old grandfather so he could feel what it was like to kill someone. 24-year-old Justyn Pennell used his PT cruiser to strike and kill the Vietnam veteran in central Florida.

Justyn Pennell Was ‘Looking for Someone To Kill’

According to authorities, the 24-year-old Pennell was looking for someone to kill when he saw a Vietnam veteran and grandfather, Michael Pratt, crossing the street.

Via People.

“Pennell drove past Pratt and then made a U-turn and intentionally ran right into him. Pratt tried to get out of the way, but Pennell struck him with his car. Pratt, 75, died at the scene.”

According to the police report, the murderer “smiled and laughed” while running Pratt over.

Not long after the incident, Pennell called 911 and turned himself in to authorities, confessing to the hit and run immediately.

After the arrest, the local sheriff called Pennell “pure evil.” Which seems like a colossal understatement.

The dark forces that were running through this man must have been immense. Thank God he will be put in a cage for the rest of his life and will not be able to harm another innocent person again.

In a pretrial, Pennell’s defense tried to enter evidence that he has autism and Asperger’s disease and, as such, may not have understood the gravity of his crimes.

Pennell ended up pleading no contest and will now serve life without the possibility of parole.

I understand that you have to do what you can to get your client off, but using neurodivergent conditions as an excuse for violence maligns millions of people with autism who live peaceful and respectable lives.

Justyn Pennell appeared remorseful in his sentencing hearing.

The family of Vietnam veteran Michael Pratt spoke as well and offered the man forgiveness.

Violence In Society

Unfortunately, I see these stories far too often. Not just violence against veterans but all of our older citizens. In a culture that no longer values life and liberty, I fear we will continue to see these tragic crimes happen.

What can we do as a society to reverse this trend of violence and hate towards our fellow man? We can look up people, but that doesn’t solve the problem.

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Hunter Patterson

Hunter Patterson is a writer based in Los Angeles. He loves writing about pop culture, popcorn, and pro wrestling. When he isn't writing, he is working on several creative endeavors. In his free time, he enjoys reading science fiction, perfecting his chili recipe, and exploring Los Angeles' amazing culinary scene.