Daniel Penny has been acquitted of criminally negligent homicide by a jury regarding the death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man, during a subway incident last year. The jury reached its verdict after deliberating for more than 24 hours over the course of five days.
During the trial, the jury considered whether Penny had acted with criminal negligence by placing Neely in a chokehold for a reported six minutes, holding him in that position even after his body became limp. Before deliberations resumed on Monday, the judge dismissed a second-degree manslaughter charge at the request of prosecutors, which had carried a maximum sentence of 15 years. The jury then shifted its focus to the lesser charge, which has a maximum four-year penalty.
Throughout the trial, prosecutors argued that Penny acted with disregard for Neely’s life, while the defense claimed that Neely acted aggressively towards passengers, prompting Penny’s response. The defense emphasized that the death might have been influenced by Neely’s pre-existing health conditions and the substances found in his system.
Judge Maxwell Wiley denied the defense’s motion for a mistrial after the manslaughter charge was dismissed, stating that the jury was capable of reaching an independent verdict. Wiley also noted the potential impact of external protests, offering to instruct the jury to disregard any outside chants.
While the courtroom scenes were tense, with competing protests occurring outside, the acceptance of the verdict underscores the complexities surrounding self-defense claims and the nuances of criminal negligence in high-stress environments.
This case highlights the ongoing discussions about mental health, public safety, and the treatment of vulnerable populations. Daniel Penny’s acquittal may prompt further dialogue on how society addresses incidents involving homelessness and mental distress, emphasizing the importance of compassion alongside safety in public spaces.