Jurors have begun deliberations in the trial of Daniel Penny, a military veteran accused of using excessive force in a fatal chokehold on Jordan Neely, a subway rider whose behavior alarmed passengers.
The case has drawn significant attention as it delves into issues of public safety and mental health. The jury is examining charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide related to the death of Jordan Neely, who was homeless and known for his street performances as a Michael Jackson impersonator. Witnesses reported feeling uneasy as Neely acted erratically on the train, prompting Penny’s intervention.
Daniel Penny, 26, who served four years in the Marines, has pleaded not guilty. He claims that his actions were meant to restrain, not harm, Neely until police could intervene. According to Penny, he was responding to Neely’s threatening behavior, which included shouting about being ready to die or to kill.
Within the first 75 minutes of their deliberation, jurors requested Judge Maxwell Wiley to repeat instructions on justification defenses and the legal definitions of the charges. Despite revisiting these instructions and deliberating for an additional ninety minutes, the jury ended the day without reaching a verdict.
Prosecutors argue Penny applied a chokehold for approximately six minutes, using excessive force. A pathologist hired by the defense disputed the city medical examiner’s conclusion that Neely’s death resulted from the chokehold. They suggested other factors contributed to his death, though specifics were not detailed in the courtroom discourse.
The trial has ignited discussions on race and societal responses to homelessness and mental illness. Neely, who was Black, had a history of mental health struggles, exacerbated by personal tragedy. His loud outbursts on the subway reportedly included threats, though some passengers perceived them differently.
Mayor Eric Adams highlighted the case in discussions about the city’s mental health crisis, indicating systemic failures that left Neely in a tragic situation. Adams stressed the importance of addressing mental health but withheld judgment on the jury’s decision.
If found guilty of manslaughter, Penny would not face the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide. Manslaughter carries a potential 15-year sentence, requiring proof of recklessness and disregard for life’s risks. The alternative charge involves unwittingly engaging in conduct that led to death, with a potential sentence of up to four years.
Deliberations are set to continue, keeping the city in anticipation of a verdict that could have substantial legal and social ramifications. The outcome will undoubtedly impact ongoing debates about self-defense, mental health issues, and public safety in urban settings.
The case against Daniel Penny has brought to light critical issues concerning mental health and public safety. As the jury continues its deliberations, the community awaits a verdict that could influence future legal interpretations of self-defense and aggression.
Source: Apnews
