In one of the most polarizing cases in recent history, former Marine Daniel Penny has received clearance in all homicide charges in the Jordan Neely case. Penny served as the prime suspect in Neely’s death, which occurred on a New York City subway train in May 2023. This decision has created much buzz on the internet, effectively dividing the public into two groups. But, what did Daniel Penny exactly do?
Here’s everything you need to know regarding the much-discussed Jordan Neely case.
Daniel Penny found not guilty in Jordan Neely case
Twenty-six-year-old Daniel Penny has officially been acquitted of murdering Neely after he controversially put the now-deceased man in a lethal chokehold last spring. The concerned jurors were unable to reach a verdict after five days of discussion, forcing the prosecutors to let go of the second-degree manslaughter charge.
The jury then levied a second allegation of criminally negligent homicide on Daniel Penny but soon decided to exonerate the ex-Marine of all charges. This has resulted in a serious uproar from one faction of the society, who seemingly deemed Penny guilty of engaging in racism, neglecting Jordan Neely’s mental condition, and assaulting the 30-year-old man which ultimately led to his death.
Neely, an individual of black ethnicity, last year participated in a public disruption after he unexpectedly started screaming at his fellow subway passengers. He even requested money, conveyed that he was hungry, and expressed his desire to return to prison. This act ended up terrifying the travelers, with one woman going as far as to shield her son. Daniel Penny then jumped into action and put Neely in a chokehold for six minutes, according to BBC.
Prior to his passing, Neely used to perform at Times Square, mimicking Michael Jackson to earn his bread. He also possessed a rich past of criminal activity and served jail time for evading fares, theft, and assaults on women. However, Neely also suffered from several mental illnesses, which seemingly originated after the tragic murder of his mother during his childhood, as per his family.
While the Jordan Neely case initiated much public unrest due to its supposed ties to racism and mental illnesses, the final verdict is now out and entails complete freedom for Daniel Penny.
