In a high-profile legal battle, Daniel Penny stands acquitted in the controversial death of Jordan Neely, stirring a national debate on safety and justice.
At a Glance
- Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran, was found not guilty in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on a NYC subway.
- The jury deadlocked on a more serious manslaughter charge, which was dismissed.
- The case has sparked division over issues of race, public safety, and vigilantism.
- Protests occurred outside the courthouse, with Neely’s family expressing their grief and desire for justice.
Details of the Case
Daniel Penny, a Marine Corps veteran and architecture student, faced charges over the death of Jordan Neely, a street performer known for his Michael Jackson impersonations. The incident unfolded on May 1, 2023, when Penny restrained Neely on a New York City subway, claiming Neely was acting erratically. Neely, reportedly agitated and hungry, was unarmed but made alarming statements.
Penny applied a chokehold lasting approximately six minutes, resulting in Neely’s death. The medical examiner ruled Neely’s death a homicide due to neck compression. The defense contended that Neely’s death resulted from multifactorial causes, including his personal health challenges.
A Manhattan jury has found Daniel Penny — a former Marine accused of fatally choking a homeless man on a subway last year — not guilty of criminally negligent homicide: https://t.co/RHat6nSwJh pic.twitter.com/1eJrurSvHR
— Gothamist (@Gothamist) December 9, 2024
Trial and Verdict
Prosecutors charged Penny with excessive force, countered by defense arguments citing his intent to protect others on the subway. The trial did not see Penny testify, but jurors evaluated testimony from experts and video evidence. The jury reached a verdict of not guilty after more than three days of deliberation, dismissing the manslaughter charge due to a deadlock.
Public reaction was mixed, with cheers for the acquittal and anger at perceived miscarriages of justice. Neely’s family, including his father Andre Zachary, expressed profound disappointment and has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Penny. Protests by groups such as Black Lives Matter took place daily outside the courthouse, highlighting the deep societal divisions this case has revealed.
The Broader Implications
The acquittal has reignited discussions on race, public safety, mental health issues, and the appropriate use of force by civilians. The death of Jordan Neely, a Black man battling schizophrenia and depression following his mother’s murder, has become a flashpoint in these debates. Penny’s case raises questions about civilian interventions during moments of perceived public threat and the balance between self-defense and responsibility.
The outcome has implications for legal precedents concerning self-defense and mental health advocate measures. As communities discuss lessons learned from the Penny case, conversations around public safety and social justice are likely to become increasingly integral to policy and legislative processes.
Sources
- Daniel Penny verdict: Marine veteran found not guilty in NYC subway chokehold case
- Veteran Daniel Penny is acquitted in NYC subway chokehold case over Jordan Neely’s death
- US Marine vet not guilty in New York subway death
- Daniel Penny Is Acquitted in Death of Jordan Neely on Subway
