During closing arguments in the trial of Daniel Penny, prosecutors at the Manhattan District Attorney’s office sought to portray him in an unfavorable light by focusing on his description of Jordan Neely as a “crackhead” during a police interrogation. Penny, a 24-year-old Marine veteran, is charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with Neely’s death on a New York City subway.
Defense Poses a Key Question
The defense, in its closing, framed the case as a matter of public safety, asking jurors: “Who would you want on the train with you?” Penny’s lawyers emphasized his actions as a response to Neely’s threats and erratic behavior, portraying him as someone who stepped in to protect other passengers.
Prosecutors Challenge Penny’s Empathy
In contrast, prosecutors pointed to Penny’s choice of words when recounting the incident to police, arguing it demonstrated a lack of empathy. “The defendant, as nice and empathetic as we’ve heard he can be, seems to have a real blind spot for Mr. Neely,” they said.
NEVER, EVER talk to the police without a lawyer. EVER. 😕
— Sam Barrow (@SammyBarrow32) December 3, 2024
A Subway Confrontation Turns Fatal
The case stems from a May 1, 2023, incident in which Penny restrained Neely, a homeless man with a history of criminal behavior and mental illness, in a chokehold on a northbound F train. Witnesses reported that Neely had been yelling at passengers, stating he didn’t care if he lived, died or was arrested. At one point, he allegedly threatened to kill those aboard if they didn’t give him a soda.
Penny placed Neely in a chokehold to subdue him, later transitioning him into the recovery position as seen in video footage. Despite terrified passengers thanking Penny for his intervention, Neely died, and the incident quickly became a flashpoint for political and social debate.
Neely’s Background and the Charges Against Penny
Neely, 30, had a criminal record that included over 40 convictions and an outstanding warrant for assaulting an older woman. The Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg, charged Penny with second-degree manslaughter 11 days after Neely’s death, a move that drew polarized reactions from the public.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams initially defended Penny’s actions but later tempered his stance, aligning more closely with progressive activists, including Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who had called for Penny’s arrest.
WARNING: EXPLICIT LANGUAGE
New York City protesters angry over the death of Jordan Neely are threatening to "tear the city down" unless something is done about the marine who killed him. pic.twitter.com/n8h2I598C0
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) May 7, 2023
Witness Accounts and Legal Proceedings
Witnesses on the train corroborated the defense’s depiction of Neely as a threat. One passenger, a 66-year-old woman, told the New York Post she had been “praying for [Penny]” following the incident, describing Neely as “threatening the passengers.”
Penny, a college student weeks away from graduation, surrendered to police voluntarily. He was released on a $100,000 bail package after his initial court appearance. His attorney, Thomas Kenniff, maintains that Penny acted in self-defense to protect himself and others.
If convicted, Penny faces up to 15 years in prison.
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Another prosecuted bribed by Soro
Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg should be disbarred. I wonder how he ever passed the the bar examination.
If Neely were white, no one would care. Penny would just be what he is, a hero that intervened in an Active threat. 100% Truth. If Penny were black, and Neely was white no one would be at trial. Thats the hypocrisy with the race war created by the propagandists in the government and media. Divide and judge everything by race. Next time you’re being attacked in public and no one intervenes you’ll know why. Perpetrators are celebrated, defended and martyred while hero’s are prosecuted and villainized.