Justice? Daniel Penny former marine Long Island man to be charged in the homicide death of Jordan Neely homeless man after forceful chokehold on NYC subway as prosecutors seemingly capitulate to protesters and the victim’s family after initially deciding not to bring any charges as debate rages.
A former marine captured on video gripping the neck of a homeless man on an F bound NYC subway train only to later die is to be charged in the fatal event which has left New Yorkers divided, amid ongoing debate about whether the 24 year old went too far in trying to contain the agitated passenger, who appeared to some to be a threat.
The decision to charge Daniel Penny with second degree manslaughter was made by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office after authorities initially deciding against to charge the man in the death of 30 year old man, Jordan Neely.
Previous report told of Neely being a mentally ill, homeless man with a record of 40 prior arrests including violent attacks
Demands for justice
The about face comes amid increasing friction and accusations from protesters who assert Penny used unjustified over force on the emotionally maladjusted passenger.
Penny is expected to surrender on Friday, with the decision to charge the marine without the case being presented to a grand jury at this time, NBC NY reported.
If convicted of second degree manslaughter, Penny could face up to 15 years jail.
Penny’s attorneys have said previously there was no way he ‘could have foreseen’ that his bid to subdue an alleged perceived threat would turn deadly. Neely’s family says that amounts to a confession.
Helping the victim’s family mandate for ‘justice’, medical examiner’s determined Neely’s death was the result of a homicide. It wasn’t clear if Bragg’s office intended to pursue charges against two other people seen restraining Neely in that video or if those people had yet been identified.
Witnesses had reported Neely, a homeless man with a lengthy record, was aggressive toward other riders on a train at the Broadway-Lafayette station on May 1. They also reported Neely hadn’t physically attacked anyone before Penny moved to subdue him. Penny was questioned by the NYPD that day and released. Then came the autopsy findings.
Democrats are gonna get innocent people killed because of the way they’re viciously attacking the Marine who killed Jordan Neely. Many good samaritans like Daniel Penny will not intervene in deadly situations out of fear Democrats will do this to them. pic.twitter.com/g6DmGZ7pRy
— Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) May 5, 2023
Political fissure and fallout and accusations to continue
Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg was under intense pressure to charge Penny, with Democrats and protesters calling his death murder.
Penny, meanwhile, has received a rush of support from Marine veterans, Republicans and New Yorkers fed up with the city’s crime and homelessness.
Protests erupted have been staged near the Broadway Lafayette subway station where Neely died.
Neely did have a lengthy arrest record for offenses including assault and disorderly conduct, among others.
NYC Mayor Eric Adams said Neely’s death is yet another indication the mental health system needs an overhaul to better protect those who, like Neely, he says fall through the cracks and ‘disappear into the shadows.’
