Jailed Mexican actor Pablo Lyle awaits sentencing for manslaughter conviction
From the Miami-Dade County jail, Pablo Lyle appeared via Zoom to a pre-sentencing hearing on Wednesday morning in Miami-Dade County court as he awaits sentencing for his manslaughter conviction.
Circuit Judge Marisa Tinkler Mendez has to consider whether or not to include the Mexican actor’s time on house arrest as part of a sentence that could range from nine to 15 years in prison.
Lyle’s relative, who was in court, said in Spanish that they want his sentencing to be done “as fast as possible.”
Attorney Zena Duncan, who is representing the victim’s family, released a statement after the jury’s guilty verdict earlier this month, saying they were grateful and looking forward to the sentencing.
“It has been and will be a very difficult world for them without Juan Ricardo. He was a joyous, caring man who loved his family and enjoyed life,” Duncan wrote. “No measure of justice will right the injustice that occurred on that street.”
Juan Ricardo Hernandez, 63, died days after he was punched by Mexican actor, Pablo Lyle, during a road rage dispute in Miami, authorities say.
Prosecutors had video of the street road rage incident on March 31, 2019, at the intersection of Northwest 27th Avenue and 14th Street. It showed Hernandez got out of his car and banged on the driver’s side window of the vehicle Lyle was in with his family.
Lyle wasn’t driving. His brother-in-law was and he had cut off Hernandez. Prosecutors said the video showed Hernandez was walking back to his car when Lyle delivered a knock-out punch to his head. Miami Fire Rescue personnel found Hernandez, 63, on the street.
Miami-Dade County Circuit Judge Lisa Walsh allowed Lyle to travel back home to Mexico, while Hernandez was unresponsive at Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center. A few days after the punch, Hernandez died and prosecutors filed the manslaughter case on April 1, 2019.
Lyle flew back to Miami and his defense attorneys argued it was a case of self-defense. Miami-Dade Circuit Judge Alan Fine disagreed. During the trial, Lyle’s defense argued it was a case about “fear.” The prosecution said it was about “anger.” The jury sided with the prosecution.
