Daniel Penny, a 26-year-old Marine veteran, has been found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway train in 2023.
Driving the news: The death of Jordan Neely occurred when Daniel Penny restrained him in a chokehold on a subway train, resulting in Neely’s death. Neely was a street performer experiencing homelessness and struggling with mental illness, which sparked a discussion about mental health care in the city.
- Penny was acquitted of the second-degree manslaughter charge, and the jury could only consider the negligent homicide charge after clearing him of manslaughter.
- After the verdict was announced, chaos unfolded in the courtroom, with some supporters cheering for Penny and Neely’s father reacting emotionally and leaving the room.
- The trial featured arguments from both the prosecution, highlighting Penny’s alleged excessive use of force, and the defense, emphasizing Penny’s intent to protect other passengers on the train.
What they’re saying: The attorney for the Neely family emphasized the importance of individuals taking care of each other, stating, “Our call to action is to take care of each other. We can’t rely on outside people.”
- Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg issued a statement respecting the jury process and expressing gratitude to the prosecutors, NYPD, and the jury for their dedication and work on the case.
- “Their lengthy deliberation — and the totality of the facts and the evidence — underscored why this case was put in front of a jury of Mr. Penny’s peers,” Bragg said in a statement.
