Jury selection has begun for the trial of Marine Corps veteran Daniel Penny, who is facing manslaughter charges after appearing in a cellphone video placing an erratic subway passenger, Jordan Neely, in a chokehold. Neely later died, and Penny faces up to 19 years in prison if convicted on charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Penny’s defense lawyers believe there is overwhelming evidence that justifies his actions in protecting commuters on the train, while Neely’s family attorneys argue that Penny’s intervention was not justified as Neely had the right to exist and be on the train without being harmed.
Representatives from both sides have differing views on the case, with defense lawyers maintaining that Penny was justified in his actions to protect others, and Neely’s family adamant that Penny’s intervention was unnecessary and resulted in the death of their loved one. Neely’s supporters have also rallied outside the courthouse, wearing “Malcolm X” hats, calling for the abolition of police, and attributing Neely’s death to white supremacist violence. According to testimony from a motion hearing, Neely had exhibited erratic behavior on the train and threatened to harm others before Penny intervened to restrain him. Penny stated he was trying to de-escalate the situation and did not intend to harm Neely, and other witnesses on the train assisted in restraining him until police arrived.
The defense has argued that Penny believed there was a perceived threat to women and children on the train when Neely exhibited aggressive behavior and that he was acting in the best interest of the safety of other passengers. However, the prosecution maintains that Penny’s actions were unwarranted and resulted in the death of Neely, who had a history of mental illness and prior allegations of violence in the subway system. The jury selection process is underway, with both sides presenting their case to select a fair and impartial jury. The trial will determine Penny’s fate and whether he will be held accountable for the death of Neely.
As the case unfolds, the defense team, led by Thomas Kenniff, remains steadfast in their belief that Penny will be cleared of any wrongdoing. They are confident in the evidence supporting Penny’s actions in protecting commuters on the train and hope for a favorable outcome in the trial. On the other hand, Neely’s family lawyers, including Donte Mills, argue that Penny’s intervention was a direct cause of Neely’s death and was unjustified. They maintain that Neely had the right to exist and be on the train without being harmed, regardless of his behavior. The court will ultimately decide the outcome of the trial based on the evidence presented by both sides during the proceedings.
The case has drawn strong reactions from supporters on both sides, with Penny’s defense team receiving support for their belief in his innocence and the justified nature of his actions. Neely’s family and supporters have voiced their outrage over the incident, attributing Neely’s death to Penny’s actions and expressing a desire for justice to be served. The trial will continue to unfold as both sides present their arguments and evidence in the hopes of reaching a resolution that will bring closure to all parties involved in the case. Ultimately, the decision will rest in the hands of the jury, who will weigh the evidence presented and determine the fate of Daniel Penny in relation to the death of Jordan Neely on the subway.
