Daniel Penny was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely by a jury on Monday. Penny, a 26-year-old former Marine, had placed Neely, a 30-year-old homeless individual, in a chokehold while they were on a subway in May 2023. Witnesses described Neely as being erratic and yelling when the incident occurred.
The jury deliberated for over 24 hours over the course of five days before reaching their conclusion, which has drawn considerable national attention to issues surrounding homelessness, mental health, public safety, and race relations.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg acknowledged the jury’s efforts and emphasized the importance of their thorough deliberation. He thanked his team for their resilience during a trial marked by hostility, as numerous threats were directed at the prosecutors.
Upon hearing the verdict, reactions in the courtroom were mixed, with some cheering and others expressing outrage. Andre Zachery, Neely’s father, was visibly distressed and was removed from the courtroom after voicing his anger. He expressed profound grief over his son’s death and criticized the justice system, calling it “rigged.”
Activists rallied outside the courthouse, chanting in support of Neely and expressing a desire for justice. Zachery’s attorney voiced hope that the family may still find accountability through a civil lawsuit.
Emotions ran high as Eric Garner’s mother, Gwen Carr, spoke against the prevalent use of chokeholds, reflecting on the recurrence of such tragic incidents in society.
Throughout the trial, prosecutors argued that Penny’s actions were reckless, suggesting that he continued to apply the chokehold even after Neely appeared to be unconscious, while the defense claimed that Neely posed a threat and that Penny did not intend to kill him. The jury initially struggled with the more serious manslaughter charge before ultimately focusing on the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide.
As the case continues to ripple through communities, it presents an opportunity for dialogue around mental health services, the treatment of the homeless, and public safety practices. This incident has the potential to mobilize activists calling for systemic changes that could prevent future tragedies.
In summary, the jury’s decision in the Daniel Penny case has sparked significant debate and emotional reactions, highlighting critical social issues. The ongoing advocacy for justice for Jordan Neely underscores the need for continued discussions on mental health and public safety.