Daniel Penny Subway Manslaughter Trial Heads to Jury After Closing Arguments

The former Marine's defense argues he acted to protect passengers, while prosecutors claim excessive force led to Jordan Neely's death.

Daniel Penny faces charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide for the May 2023 subway death of Jordan Neely in New York City.
The defense contends Penny acted to protect fellow passengers from Neely, who was reportedly behaving erratically and making threatening statements.
Prosecutors argue Penny used excessive and reckless force by maintaining a chokehold on Neely for over six minutes, including after Neely lost consciousness.
A medical examiner ruled Neely’s death a homicide caused by the chokehold, though the defense's expert pathologist disputes this, citing other contributing factors such as Neely's health conditions and drug use.
The case has ignited debates over public safety, mental health, and race, with demonstrations both supporting and opposing Penny outside the courtroom.