Interrogation footage released of Daniel Penny explaining how he defended Subway passengers from Jordan Neely.

Daniel Penny, a former U.S. Marine, is currently on trial for the death of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, following an incident on a New York City subway in May 2023. Key points of the case include:

• Incident Details: On May 1, 2023, Neely boarded a Manhattan subway train and began exhibiting erratic behavior, reportedly shouting about being hungry and not fearing imprisonment. Penny intervened by placing Neely in a chokehold, which he maintained for several minutes. Neely lost consciousness and was later pronounced dead at a hospital.
• Charges: Penny was charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
• Trial Progress:
  • Testimonies: Witnesses, including Eric Gonzalez, who assisted in restraining Neely, testified that they intervened hoping Penny would release the chokehold. Gonzalez admitted to initially lying about his involvement due to fear of legal repercussions. People
  • Expert Opinion: Marine combat instructor Joseph Caballer testified that the chokehold used by Penny is designed to render a person unconscious without causing death, but improper application can be fatal
  • Medical Examiner’s Findings: Dr. Cynthia Harris, the medical examiner, testified that Neely died from a lack of oxygen caused by the chokehold, noting multiple signs of trauma during the autopsy. ABC 7 New York
• Defense Position: Penny’s defense argues that he acted to protect himself and other passengers from Neely’s threatening behavior. They contend that the force used was necessary under the circumstances.
• Public Reaction: The case has sparked widespread debate and protests, highlighting issues of public safety, mental health, and race. Some view Penny as a protector of fellow passengers, while others see his actions as excessive and unjustified.

JUST IN: Police bodycam footage shows witnesses *defending* Daniel Penny for protecting them from Jordan Neely who they say was drugged out. “The guy in the tan (Penny) did take him down really respectfully… he didn’t choke him.” Penny was charged with m*nslaughter & criminally negligent h*micide by Alvin Bragg for protecting NYC subway passengers from Neely. Penny is a hero. – Collin Rugg tweet

JUST IN: Police bodycam footage shows witnesses *defending* Daniel Penny for protecting them from Jordan Neely who they say was drugged out.

“The guy in the tan (Penny) did take him down really respectfully… he didn’t choke him.”

Penny was charged with m*nslaughter &… pic.twitter.com/OrYvgTz412

— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 12, 2024