Accused Killer of Gaelic Athlete in Court

By Jada May

Steven O’Brien, 25, is accused of landing a deadly punch to John “Danny” McGee, 21, a Gaelic football player. During the early hours of Thanksgiving, the two men were arguing outside of a Sunnyside, Queens, bar, The Gaslight, when O’Brien landed a punch on the right side of McGee’s head, causing him to fall. Although the Dublin native O’Brien fled the scene, he turned himself in the next day and was charged with assault in the third degree. With the help of friends, O’Brien was let out on a $25,000 bond.

The Daily News has cited a source saying O’Brien is not facing homicide charges, because “it became clear that O’Brien had no intention of killing his younger victim.” His lawyer Matthew Gartenberg said, “Mr. O’Brien denies all wrongdoing and is not guilty.” If convicted, he could possibly face up to a year in jail.

On Thursday, O’Brien faced Judge Sean Dunn in the Queens County Criminal Court for a court hearing. The case was adjourned till April 22.