Accused Irishman maintains his innocence in fatal NYC bar fight

Steven O’Brien appeared in a New York City courtroom again on February 21 in relation to his involvement in a fatal Thanksgiving bar fight.

Read More: Irish suspect arrested in death of Irishman killed with one punch outside New York bar

O’Brien, a 25-year-old native of Dublin who now lives in New York City, is accused of throwing a fatal punch at John ‘Danny’ McGee outside of The Gaslight Pub in Sunnyside, Queens in the early hours of Thanksgiving morning.

McGee, a 21-year-old who was born in the US but grew up in Longford, died from his injuries on Thanksgiving Day November 22.

O’Brien is now facing third-degree assault charges for McGee’s death.

Read More: No murder charges for Irish man following fatal NYC bar fight

At a January court appearance, O’Brien pled not guilty to the charges against him. The maximum penalty for his alleged crime is one year in prison.

McGee’s uncle Tim Murphy last month told the Irish Voice: “We know he didn’t set out to kill Danny. But we want to make sure that he is punished for his actions because he did kill somebody. Our family feels Danny’s loss every single day, and we’ll continue to feel it forever.”

Read More: Distraught family of Longford man killed with one punch in NYC demand proper justice

Following the February 21 court appearance, O'Brien's attorney Matthew Gartenberg said: "We are continuing to fight this case. Mr. O'Brien is maintaining his innocence."

O’Brien was released on continuing bail. He is due to appear in court again on April 30.