Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) today announced that the New York State Parole Board has denied parole to Juan Peinado, the man convicted of the 1996 murder of 12-year-old Danny Meyer in the Village of Maybrook.

“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.”

“Parole was denied again for the third time,” exclaimed Kristen Smith, Danny Meyer’s sister. “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, who has served over 25 years in prison for the brutal killing of Danny Meyer as the boy walked to an all-star baseball game, became eligible for parole in 2021 and again in 2023. Following an overwhelming public outcry and deeply emotional testimony from Danny’s family and friends, the parole board denied his release that year. Under state law, Peinado became eligible again this month, prompting a renewed petition campaign led by Maher and the Meyer family.

Thousands of residents from Orange County and across the state signed the petition, submitted letters and spoke out against Peinado’s release, a grassroots effort Maher called “a testament to the enduring power and fortitude of the community.”

“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 advocating for legislation that would extend the period between parole hearings for violent offenders and, in the most extreme cases, eliminate parole eligibility altogether.

“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.”