Courtroom Verdict Sparks Debate: Daniel Penny’s Acquittal in Subway Death Case

Gavel being struck by a judge in courtroom.

Daniel Penny, a former Marine, has been acquitted of all charges in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway, following a high-profile trial that ignited debates on public safety and mental health.

At a Glance

Daniel Penny was cleared of criminally negligent homicide in Jordan Neely’s death.
The jury deadlocked on a more serious manslaughter charge, leading to its dismissal.
Penny’s defense argued he acted to protect fellow passengers from Neely’s erratic behavior.
The case sparked national debate on mental health, public safety, and support systems for the mentally ill.
Neely’s death was ruled a homicide due to neck compression from the chokehold.

Verdict Reached After Extended Deliberations

After an intense trial and nearly 20 hours of deliberation spanning four days, a Manhattan jury acquitted Daniel Penny of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely. The charge could have resulted in up to four years of imprisonment. The jury, consisting of seven women and five men, also deadlocked on a more serious manslaughter charge, leading to its dismissal.

The courtroom erupted with mixed reactions as the verdict was announced, with some cheering while others expressed anger. Penny’s legal team, including attorneys Thomas A. Kenniff and Steven Raiser, celebrated alongside their client. In contrast, Neely’s father, Andre Zachery, reacted with visible anger and was asked to leave the courtroom.

Daniel Penny verdict live updates: Not guilty in Jordan Neely’s chokehold death https://t.co/KkGIykCU7c pic.twitter.com/yWT5aTzXBu

— New York Post (@nypost) December 9, 2024

Defense Strategy and Prosecution Arguments

Penny’s defense team argued that he acted to protect fellow passengers from Neely, who was behaving erratically on the subway. Witnesses described Neely’s threatening behavior, though no evidence showed he physically attacked anyone. Prosecutors, however, claimed Penny’s actions became criminal when he continued the chokehold after Neely went limp.

“I’m not trying to kill the guy, I’m just trying to keep him from hurting anybody else.” – Daniel Penny

Video evidence presented during the trial showed Penny holding Neely for 51 seconds after he appeared to lose consciousness. Dr. Cynthia Harris, who testified about the chokehold’s impact, ruled Neely’s death a homicide due to neck compression. The medical examiner’s findings were challenged by a defense-hired pathologist who suggested other health issues may have contributed to Neely’s death, but this claim was refuted by the medical examiner.

Mental Health and Public Safety Debate

The case has ignited a national conversation on mental health, public safety, and the adequacy of support systems for the mentally ill in urban environments. Neely, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and had synthetic marijuana in his system at the time of the incident, was known to be mentally ill.

“This case is about a broken system, a broken system that does not help our mentally ill or our unhoused. In fact, it is that broken system that led us, that is interwoven into the very fabric of this case.” – Penny’s attorney Raiser

The trial, which included testimonies from over 40 witnesses including passengers, police officers, and medical experts, has drawn attention to the challenges faced by cities in addressing mental health crises and ensuring public safety. The incident and subsequent trial have divided public opinion, with supporters of both Penny and Neely demonstrating outside the courthouse throughout the proceedings.

Ongoing Legal Matters

While the criminal case has concluded with Penny’s acquittal, legal proceedings related to the incident are not over. Neely’s father has filed a civil lawsuit against Penny for negligent conduct, assault, and battery. This civil case will likely continue to keep the incident in the public eye and may further contribute to discussions about responsibility and justice in similar situations.

As the nation reflects on this verdict, the case of Daniel Penny and Jordan Neely remains a touchstone for broader discussions about mental health care, public safety measures, and the complexities of interventions in crisis situations on public transportation.