Daniel Penny Found Not Guilty in Jordan Neely Case

Daniel Penny, a former Marine, was declared not guilty after an intense trial centered on the subway chokehold death of Jordan Neely.

At a Glance

Penny was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide.
The jury deliberated over 24 hours across five days.
Neely’s family plans a civil lawsuit against Penny.
Protests outside the courthouse during the trial.

Timeline and Trial Verdict

In May 2023, Daniel Penny put Jordan Neely in a chokehold on a New York subway after Neely showed erratic behavior. The incident reportedly involved Neely making threats and acting out, which Penny and his defense argued was a threat to passenger safety. The jury deliberated over 24 hours across five days before reaching a verdict, finding Penny not guilty of criminally negligent homicide. The jury dismissed more severe charges, leading to the trial’s controversial conclusion.

The defense portrayed Penny as acting in defense of others, arguing it was not his intention to kill Neely. Meanwhile, the prosecution argued the chokehold was excessive and led to Neely’s death. The medical examiner ruled the death a homicide due to neck compression, although the defense pointed to Neely’s drug use and medical conditions as contributing factors.

Jury decides ex-Marine Daniel Penny was not guilty of negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely. MORE: https://t.co/VpiZcshEqT pic.twitter.com/H3W1y0B4yE

— NewsNation (@NewsNation) December 9, 2024

Public Controversy and Reactions

The trial sparked nationwide debates on issues such as race, homelessness, and self-defense on public transport. Protests and arrests marked the trial’s duration, as Neely’s death further fueled an ongoing discourse on vigilantism. Neely’s family, dissatisfied with the criminal trial’s outcome, announced plans to pursue civil action against Penny, keeping the case alive in the courts.

The trial was conducted amid heightened fear due to recent subway incidents, reminiscent of the 1984 Bernhard Goetz case. Public sentiment varied, with Penny receiving support from conservative figures and right-wing commentators. Penny’s defense emphasized the fundamental right to self-defense, which resonated with sections of the public as a justifiable reason for his actions aboard the subway.

Implications and Future Actions

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office faced criticism for pursuing charges, with some accusing DA Alvin Bragg of overreach. Though Penny now begins a chapter unburdened by criminal charges, the civil suit by Neely’s family indicates that the battle over justice and accountability will continue. Public focus remains on how such incidents can be avoided in the future.

“I just want to say I miss my son,” Neely’s father Andre Zachery said. “It hurts. It really, really hurts. What are we gonna do, people? What’s gonna happen to us now?”