Daniel Penny was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely, a homeless man, following jury deliberations that extended over 24 hours. On Monday, the jury reached their verdict after initially being deadlocked on the more serious charge of second-degree manslaughter, which was dismissed at the request of the prosecution during the trial.
Penny’s case centered on an incident in May 2023 when he placed Neely in a chokehold on a subway train, which lasted for approximately six minutes. According to the prosecution, Penny’s actions were long enough to cause Neely’s death, as confirmed by the city’s medical examiner. They argued Penny failed to recognize Neely’s humanity and continued the restraint despite knowing it could be fatal. In contrast, the defense claimed that Neely’s death was primarily due to a pre-existing medical condition and drugs found in his system, arguing that Penny acted with the intent to protect other passengers who felt threatened by Neely’s erratic behavior.
Judge Maxwell Wiley’s ruling on counts and motions during the trial played a critical role in shaping the proceedings, including a proposal to prevent jury bias from external protests. Meanwhile, dissenting voices gathered outside the courtroom, expressing sentiments regarding justice and accountability in the case.
The jury ultimately decided that Penny did not engage in the type of recklessness necessary to convict him of manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide. The situation has sparked significant public interest and debate surrounding issues of mental health, public safety, and the use of force, which may lead to continued discussions and developments in legal standards regarding such cases.
This verdict allows for a broader discussion on how society addresses similar incidents and the circumstances facing individuals struggling with mental health in public spaces. The case highlights the complexities involved in balancing public safety and individual rights, reminding us of the importance of considering all perspectives in our pursuit of justice and compassion.