New York City is known for its diversity, energy, and fast-paced lifestyle. However, it has also been a city of contrasting views and opinions, especially when it comes to public safety and vigilantism. The recent acquittal of Marine veteran Daniel Penny in the death of Jordan Neely has once again brought these issues to the forefront.
On Monday, a Manhattan jury found Penny not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Neely, who died in 2023 after being put in a chokehold by Penny. The jury had previously deadlocked on a more serious manslaughter charge. As the verdict was read, both emotions of relief and anger erupted in the courtroom, showcasing the polarizing views on the case.
Neely’s father, Andre Zachery, expressed his disappointment and frustration outside the courthouse, stating, “It really, really hurts. I had enough of this. The system is rigged.” On the other hand, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, who brought the case against Penny, stated that they followed the facts and evidence and respected the jury’s decision.
Penny, who had served in the Marines and went on to study architecture, was hailed by many as a hero for protecting himself and other passengers on the subway from a volatile and mentally ill man. Neely, who was Black, had a tragic life story and struggled with mental illness after losing his mother in a tragic incident. This case has highlighted several fault lines in American society, including race, politics, crime, urban life, mental illness, and homelessness.
Throughout the trial, there were dueling demonstrations outside the courthouse, with high-profile Republicans portraying Penny as a hero while prominent Democrats attended Neely’s funeral. These starkly different reactions showcase the deep-rooted divisions in society.
Penny’s defense team argued that he was trying to protect himself and others from Neely, who was making alarming remarks and gestures. However, the case took a tragic turn when Neely, who was unarmed, died in Penny’s chokehold. The incident sparked a debate on the appropriate use of force in such situations.
The case also shed light on Neely’s struggles with mental illness and homelessness. He had been diagnosed with depression and schizophrenia and was repeatedly hospitalized. Neely’s tragic story tugged on the hearts of many, as he was a former subway performer who did Michael Jackson tributes on the streets and subways of New York City.
On May 1, 2023, Neely boarded a subway under Manhattan, made alarming remarks, and declared that he didn’t care if he died or went to jail. Witnesses even reported that he made lunging movements towards other passengers. This incident left many on the train feeling frightened and vulnerable.
Penny, who was a trained Marine, took matters into his own hands and put Neely in a chokehold, eventually leading to his death. The passengers’ videos showed that Neely was struggling and trying to communicate with others, but Penny held on until he went still. This excessive use of force has been a subject of debate in the trial.
Penny himself had told police that he used a chokehold to “de-escalate” the situation until police arrived. However, one of his Marine Corps instructors testified that Penny had misused a chokehold technique he had been taught. Prosecutors argued that Penny had reacted far too forcefully, given that the train doors opened at the next station, moments after the incident.
The trial also heard from a pathologist hired by the defense team, who claimed that Neely’s death was not solely caused by the chokehold. According to him, it was a combination of factors such as K2, schizophrenia, and a blood condition that led to fatal complications during exertion.
The case has sparked discussions about the appropriate use of force in such situations and raised questions about the responsibilities of trained individuals in handling potentially dangerous situations. The jury’s decision to acquit Penny on all charges has been met with mixed reactions, with some hailing it as a victory for self-defense and others expressing disappointment.
Throughout the trial, Penny did not testify, but his family, friends, and fellow Marines spoke about him being an upstanding, patriotic, and empathetic individual. This case has undoubtedly had a profound impact on Penny’s life and reputation.
While the trial might be over, Neely’s father has filed a wrongful death suit against Penny, which raises concerns about justice and accountability. This case has highlighted the need for
