A jury has acquitted Daniel Penny of criminally negligent homicide in connection with the death of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man. The verdict was reached on Monday after the jury deliberated for over 24 hours over the course of five days.
The case centered around an incident in May 2023, where Penny placed Neely in a chokehold on a subway car. Prosecutors alleged that Penny’s actions led to Neely’s death, escalating when it was revealed that he maintained the chokehold for over six minutes. The medical examiner confirmed that the chokehold contributed to Neely’s death, although Penny’s defense argued that factors like Neely’s genetic condition and the synthetic marijuana found in his bloodstream were significant in the incident.
The prosecution sought to prove that Penny acted recklessly, while the defense claimed he was acting to protect other passengers from Neely’s erratic behavior. Ultimately, the judge dismissed the more serious manslaughter charge at the prosecution’s request, leading the jurors to consider only the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide.
Penny pleaded not guilty to both charges. Initially, the jury was deadlocked on the manslaughter charge, which carried a more severe penalty. Following the judge’s dismissal of that charge, the focus shifted to determining whether Penny’s actions constituted criminal negligence.
Outside the courthouse, the atmosphere was tense with protests from both sides, highlighting the community divide on the issue. Jurors were given instructions to disregard external pressures and focus solely on the evidence presented during the trial.
This verdict underscores significant societal discussions surrounding homelessness, public safety, and the legal system. While some may view the outcome as a dismissal of accountability, others see it as a reflection of the complexities of human behaviors in high-pressure situations.
In the broader context, the case highlights an urgent need for addressing mental health and support systems for the homeless community, emphasizing the importance of compassionate approaches in public safety. This outcome could serve as a catalyst for conversations on how society can better address these pressing issues.