Daniel Penny has been acquitted of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely, according to a jury verdict delivered on Monday. The jury spent over 24 hours deliberating over a five-day period before arriving at their decision.
Penny faced allegations that he fatally choked Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man and former Michael Jackson impersonator, during an incident on a subway train in May 2023. The prosecution argued that Penny placed Neely in a chokehold for six minutes and sustained pressure for over 51 seconds even after Neely became unresponsive. They contended Penny was aware his actions could lead to death but demonstrated disregard for Neely’s well-being.
In contrast, Penny’s legal team argued that Neely’s death stemmed more from underlying health issues, including a genetic condition and substances found in his system, rather than from Penny’s actions. They presented Penny as a concerned individual trying to protect fellow subway passengers from Neely, who was reportedly behaving erratically and causing distress.
Judge Maxwell Wiley had initially considered the more severe charge of second-degree manslaughter but dismissed it at the request of prosecutors, which shifted the jury’s focus to the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide. This charge carries a maximum sentence of four years, with no minimum mandated.
Throughout the trial, jurors encountered tensions, both in their deliberations and externally as protests took place outside the courthouse. After the jury’s verdict, those protests subsided, reflecting the charged atmosphere surrounding the case.
This case has stirred widespread public interest and discourse around issues of public safety, mental health, and the treatment of homeless individuals. The outcome of the trial has reignited discussions about these broader societal challenges.
In light of this verdict, it is important to recognize the ongoing necessity for community dialogue and action addressing mental health and homelessness, while ensuring the safety of all individuals involved. This case serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility to foster understanding and empathy in our communities.
Overall, while the courtroom battle has concluded, the discussions it has sparked regarding social issues are likely to continue as the community seeks solutions moving forward.