(DailyVantage.com) – In a case that drew national attention, a New York jury has found Daniel Penny, a 26-year-old Marine veteran, not guilty of criminally negligent homicide in the death of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man. The decision came after jurors reported they were deadlocked on the more severe charge of second-degree manslaughter, prompting prosecutors to dismiss it and limit deliberations to the lesser charge.
The courtroom erupted in cheers from Penny’s supporters when the verdict was announced, while Neely’s family and advocates expressed outrage. Neely’s father, Andre Zachary, was escorted out after an outburst, and members of Black Lives Matter wept openly at the decision.
The case stemmed from a May 2023 incident on a Manhattan subway. Witnesses testified that Neely, who had schizophrenia and was high on the synthetic drug K2, barged onto the train shouting threats. Some passengers described his behavior as menacing, with one witness recounting Neely screaming that someone would “die that day.”
In response, Penny placed Neely in a chokehold, which led to his death. Defense attorneys argued that Penny acted to protect himself and others in a high-stakes moment of fear. Prosecutors, however, claimed Penny’s actions were reckless and unnecessary.
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, whose office brought charges after a grand jury indictment, acknowledged the verdict but decried the harassment faced by his prosecution team throughout the trial. “This kind of behavior is unacceptable,” Bragg said, calling for civility in public discourse regardless of opinions on the case.
Penny’s attorneys expressed relief and gratitude for the outcome. “We couldn’t be more pleased that a jury of Danny’s peers acquitted him of any wrongdoing,” Steven Raiser and Thomas Kenniff said. “New Yorkers can take some comfort in knowing we can stand up for one another without sacrificing our rights or freedoms.”
The incident and its fallout have amplified debates about mental health, public safety, and the rights of individuals to intervene in chaotic situations. While Penny’s acquittal may bring closure to his supporters, it leaves unresolved questions about how society addresses the challenges of homelessness and mental illness in crowded urban settings.
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