NYC Subway Chokehold Verdict: Ex-Marine Found Not Guilty

Daniel Penny, a 26-year-old Marine veteran, was found not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely, who died after being placed in a chokehold on a NYC subway. The manslaughter charge was previously dismissed.

<img src="https://assets1.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2024/12/09/070c0530-27f5-48e6-9664-a71d3e3a3d98/thumbnail/620x465/33e896ca3809c02d3619487f322d7a05/img-4637.jpg?v=d633d0331cc96a4353754b3de830df72#" alt="Daniel Penny and his lawyers after the verdict">

The Aftermath

The verdict sparked immediate and intense reactions. While Penny's lawyers celebrated the acquittal, Neely's family expressed immense pain and frustration. Protests erupted outside the courthouse, with demonstrators chanting "Justice for Jordan Neely!" The incident has reignited discussions about civilian vigilantism, mental health care, and the justice system.

<img src="https://assets3.cbsnewsstatic.com/hub/i/r/2023/05/11/abda3a46-255b-4c81-9636-846598d816ab/thumbnail/620x349/829c6469e31b788b2ecd5f9a722a7664/bauman-11p-pkg-subway-c-wcbs6u17-hi-res-still.jpg?v=d633d0331cc96a4353754b3de830df72#" alt="Jordan Neely">

Key Figures React

• Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg released a statement respecting the jury's decision, highlighting the evidence presented and condemning the threats faced by his prosecutors during the trial.
• Mayor Eric Adams addressed concerns about potential increases in self-justice, emphasizing the jury system and the city's need to help those experiencing homelessness and mental health issues.
• Prominent figures like Rev. Al Sharpton criticized the verdict, viewing it as a dangerous precedent for civilian intervention.

The Trial

The trial lasted several weeks, featuring testimony from witnesses, police officers, medical examiners, and experts. The prosecution argued that Penny used excessive force, while the defense maintained he acted in self-defense and to protect others. The jury deliberated for over 20 hours before reaching their verdict.

The Charges Explained

The charges against Penny, manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, required prosecutors to prove causation of death, the level of negligence, and the lack of justification. Details of the legal definitions of each are available through official legal documents (links removed for brevity).

Jordan Neely's Death

Neely, a street performer struggling with homelessness and mental illness, died after being put in a chokehold on a subway. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide caused by neck compression; toxicology reports showed the presence of synthetic marijuana in his system.