A Manhattan jury has acquitted Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran, in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely.
The case stirred significant public and legal debate due to the self-defense claim and the implications of handling mentally ill individuals in public spaces, New York Post reported.
On May 1, 2023, Penny confronted Neely, who was reportedly acting threateningly towards subway passengers. The intense four-week trial captivated New York as it highlighted pressing issues concerning public safety and the treatment of vulnerable populations. The jury, comprised of seven women and five men, deliberated for over 20 hours before reaching their decision.
Prosecutors initially sought a second-degree manslaughter charge against Penny, which carried a 15-year sentence, but the jury deadlocked, leading to its dismissal. Instead, they considered criminally negligent homicide, which ultimately ended in Penny’s acquittal.
Footage showed Penny holding Neely in a chokehold for six minutes, even after Neely stopped moving. The defense argued Penny acted to protect others, citing Neely’s aggressive behavior and mental health challenges.
The verdict sparked mixed reactions, with protests outside the Manhattan courthouse reflecting discontent, while others supported the jury's decision, citing the threat Neely posed.
District Attorney Alvin Bragg acknowledged the evidence-based process, and Penny’s attorney, Thomas Kenniff, praised the outcome as just.
Activist Hawk Newsome called the incident a tragedy, attributing Neely's death to systemic failures while asserting it was not a crime, making prosecution a mistake.
The case's fallout extends beyond the courtroom, fueling debates about New York City's mental health infrastructure, public safety, and justice.
Mayor Eric Adams criticized systemic failures in addressing violent behavior and aiding the mentally ill. Daniel Penny's acquittal not only ends a legal battle but sparks broader discussions on justice, safety, and societal responsibility, highlighting the city's divide over these issues and their impact on future policy.
