The New York State Parole Board has denied parole to Juan Peinado, who was convicted of the 1996 murder of 12-year-old Danny Meyer in Maybrook. Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) announced the decision, emphasizing its significance for both the victim’s family and the broader community.
“This decision is a victory for continued justice, for Danny’s family and for the thousands of New Yorkers who stood together to say that some crimes are far too heinous to warrant any type of leniency,” said Maher. “Danny Meyer should be alive today. He should be building a career, raising a family and living a full life. But instead, his family continues to live with a painful absence that never goes away. Today, their voices were heard.”
Kristen Smith, Danny Meyer’s sister, commented on the outcome: “Parole was denied again for the third time. Danny’s killer will remain in prison for at least two more years. Thank you to everyone for writing letters to the parole board, signing the petition, sending us caring words and your thoughts, prayers and love over the past 29 years. Special thanks to Brian Maher and his team, Rhonda Dellolio D’Auria and Shannon Malone for all your work to help make this the outcome we were hoping for. With all your help, I truly believe he will remain in prison for the rest of his life.”
Peinado has served more than 25 years in prison after being found guilty of killing Meyer as he walked to an all-star baseball game. He first became eligible for parole in 2021 and again in 2023; both requests were denied following public opposition and testimony from Meyer’s family and friends. Under state law, Peinado became eligible once more this month, leading Maher and the Meyer family to organize another petition campaign.
Thousands of residents from Orange County and across New York signed petitions or sent letters opposing Peinado’s release—a response Maher described as evidence of strong community resolve.
“While we are relieved by this decision, we know this process will repeat itself in two years. That’s why I will continue to fight for meaningful parole reform in Albany.”
Maher is pushing legislation aimed at increasing intervals between parole hearings for violent offenders or removing eligibility entirely in certain cases.
“The system cannot continue to retraumatize families every two years,” Maher concluded. “Today is a step forward, but our work continues for Danny, for his family and for every victim who deserves permanent justice.”
