Daniel Penny was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide in the death of 30-year-old Jordan Neely by a jury on Monday. The case garnered significant attention nationally, bringing issues of homelessness, mental illness, and race to the forefront of public discourse.
The incident in question occurred in May 2023 when Neely, a homeless man and former Michael Jackson impersonator, boarded a subway car exhibiting erratic behavior. Penny, a 25-year-old ex-Marine, put Neely in a chokehold for several minutes, which witnesses said lasted at least 51 seconds after Neely became unresponsive.
The jury deliberated for over 24 hours over five days before concluding with the not-guilty verdict. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg expressed his appreciation for the jurors’ careful consideration and emphasized the importance of respecting their decision, despite the backlash his team faced during the trial.
Emotions ran high in the courtroom as the verdict was announced, prompting a mix of cheers and boos. Neely’s father, Andre Zachery, reacted with visible anger and was forcibly removed after expressing his grief and outrage, stating that the system is “rigged.”
Following the verdict, protests erupted outside the courthouse as people chanted Neely’s name, demanding justice. Zachery’s attorney was hopeful for a potential path to justice through a civil lawsuit despite the criminal outcomes. “I promised this family justice – we are still going to do that,” said Donte Mills.
The trial had significant tensions, particularly with the dismissal of the more serious manslaughter charge. The defense argued that Penny was acting to protect others from Neely’s behavior, claiming it was not intentional homicide, while prosecutors contended that Penny should have recognized the risk of his actions.
The ongoing societal debate stemming from this case emphasizes a broader concern regarding the treatment of vulnerable populations, mental health crises, and public safety. It presents a call to action for creating safer and more compassionate systems to address these urgent social issues.
In summary, while the jury found Daniel Penny not guilty, the aftermath of the case continues to evoke strong reactions, highlighting the complexities surrounding issues of public safety, mental health, and homelessness. This moment can serve as a crucial opportunity for communities to foster dialogue and work towards solutions that prioritize compassion and understanding for those in crisis.