A heartbreaking story from Florida has left many people disturbed, as a mother tries to understand how her own son committed a shocking and violent crime. What makes this case even more emotional is not just the act itself, but the warning signs that appeared years before—and how they were misunderstood or missed.
A Mother’s Hope Turns Into Fear
When Dawn Haas gave birth to her son, she believed she was starting a new and positive chapter in her life. Her son, Justyn Pennell, was once a loving child in her eyes.
However, as he grew older, his behaviour began to change in worrying ways. Haas noticed that he would sometimes stare at her while she slept, show sudden anger, and react strangely to others getting hurt. Even though these signs troubled her, she still believed he was her “sweet boy” and never imagined he could commit a serious crime.
The Shocking Crime
On January 9, 2020, in Hudson, Florida, Pennell carried out a horrifying act. He intentionally ran over a 75-year-old man, Michael Pratt, who was simply walking with his cane.
There was no connection between the two. It was a random act.
After the incident, Pennell made a 911 call and calmly admitted what he had done. He told the dispatcher that he had been driving around looking for someone to hit and had deliberately targeted the elderly man.
This confession shocked not only the public but also his own mother, who later heard the call for the first time in a documentary.
Disturbing Confessions and Evidence
During police questioning, Pennell revealed even more disturbing thoughts. He admitted that he had been thinking about killing someone for months and wanted to experience what it felt like.
He also spoke about violent ideas involving knives and harming people. Investigators found multiple weapons in his car, including knives and a hatchet, which his mother later described as a “murder kit.”
Even more shocking was his reaction after the crime. He told authorities that he smiled and laughed after hitting the victim and felt more upset about damaging his car than taking a life.
Early Warning Signs
Looking back, Haas realised there were signs from a very young age that something was not right.
As a child, Pennell showed cruel behaviour toward animals. In one incident, he repeatedly hit a duck out of frustration. As a teenager, he laughed when a relative was seriously injured in an accident.
These moments made Haas worry that something was wrong. She even feared he might one day appear in the news for something terrible.
Attempts to Get Help
Haas did try to get help for her son. She had him evaluated by doctors, hoping to understand his behaviour. However, she was told that he was a normal child and there was no serious issue.
Later, Pennell claimed he had been diagnosed with conditions like Asperger’s syndrome, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. He also admitted that he was not taking medication at the time of the crime.
Court Case and Sentence
In 2022, Pennell chose to plead no contest to first-degree premeditated murder. This means he did not admit guilt but accepted the punishment.
He was sentenced to life in prison by Judge Mary Handsel.
Despite everything, Haas continues to stay in touch with her son, showing the complicated emotions a parent can feel even in such tragic situations.
A Story Featured in a Documentary
This case is part of the show Evil Lives Here: My Child the Killer, which focuses on parents who discover that their children are capable of extreme violence.
In the series, Haas hears her son’s 911 call for the first time, leading to an emotional breakdown as she struggles to accept what he became.
