Defense Expert Disputes Chokehold as Cause of Jordan Neely's Death in Daniel Penny Trial

The forensic pathologist testified that Neely's death resulted from a combination of health conditions and synthetic drugs, contradicting the medical examiner's findings.

Dr. Satish Chundru, a forensic pathologist hired by Daniel Penny's defense, testified that Jordan Neely's death was not caused by the chokehold but by a combination of synthetic marijuana, schizophrenia, sickle cell complications, and the stress of the struggle.
The New York City medical examiner, Dr. Cynthia Harris, previously testified that Neely died from asphyxiation due to the chokehold, citing evidence such as neck injuries and video footage.
The defense argued that Neely's underlying health conditions and drug use made him vulnerable to sudden death, even without the chokehold, while the prosecution maintained the chokehold was the direct cause.
Eyewitnesses described Neely as threatening passengers before Penny restrained him, with some expressing fear for their safety, though Neely did not physically harm anyone before the altercation.
Penny, a former Marine, faces charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, with potential sentences of up to 15 years if convicted on the top charge.