A dramatic courtroom revelation unfolds as witness testimony and audio evidence take center stage in the high-profile Manhattan manslaughter trial of former Marine Daniel Penny.
According to the New York Post, an 18-year-old witness's 911 call played during the trial captured the tense moments before Jordan Neely's death, describing him as "trying to attack everybody" on an uptown F train subway car.
The testimony of Moriela Sanchez provided crucial insights into the May 2023 incident that led to Neely's death. Her emergency call requested police and ambulance assistance as the situation unfolded on the subway car. The recording revealed her description of a "white man holding him down," later identified as Daniel Penny. Sanchez's cellphone footage, presented as evidence, showed the aftermath of the incident with Neely motionless on the train floor.
Sanchez's testimony revealed mixed emotions about the incident. She admitted feeling relief when Penny intervened but expressed concern about the intensity of his restraint. Her testimony caused emotional reactions in the courtroom, with one unidentified woman leaving in tears. The defense attempted to highlight inconsistencies between her trial testimony and previous grand jury statements regarding Penny's actions.
Another witness, Nike senior brand manager Caedryn Schrunk, provided compelling testimony about Neely's behavior before the incident. She described feeling threatened by what she called his "satanic" rant. Schrunk detailed the intense atmosphere on the train, mentioning a mother shielding her baby during the incident.
During her testimony, Schrunk stated:
There was a moment where I truly thought I was going to die. If [Neely] would have gotten up, who knows what he would have done?
Former homeless man Johnny Grima offered a different viewpoint as the third witness of the day. He described arriving at the scene after the train stopped and observing Penny release Neely from the chokehold. Grima's attempt to help Neely by applying water to his forehead was met with resistance from Penny, leading to tension between them.
Grima expressed his concerns about Penny's behavior in emotional testimony:
The guy who's choking him out won't let anyone near? That's weird. That's wrong.
The prosecution has presented various pieces of evidence, including multiple videos from bystanders and police body cameras, showing either the chokehold or its immediate aftermath. The case has drawn significant public attention, with protesters gathering outside the courthouse calling for Penny's conviction.
The trial has sparked intense debate about public safety and the use of force. Penny, who faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted, maintains through his lawyers that his actions were meant to protect other passengers. The case has attracted approximately a dozen protesters who have voiced their opposition to Penny's actions.
The courtroom proceedings have been marked by careful management of reactions from attendees. Justice Maxwell Wiley has had to remind those present to maintain composure and avoid visible or audible reactions during jury presence. This directive came after audible murmurs from Neely supporters during witness testimony.
The trial continues to examine the complex circumstances surrounding Neely's death on the subway. The prosecution and defense present contrasting narratives about the necessity and appropriateness of Penny's actions. Witness testimonies have revealed the fear and confusion present during the incident while also highlighting the different perspectives on Penny's intervention.
This case brings to light crucial questions about public safety, appropriate use of force, and the boundaries of civilian intervention in threatening situations. As the trial progresses, both sides continue to present evidence and testimony that will help determine the legal consequences of this tragic incident.
