The father of the victim involved in the fatal New York City subway chokehold trial has taken legal action against the defendant as a Manhattan jury deliberates the case. The lawsuit, filed in New York Supreme Court, accuses Marine veteran Daniel Penny of negligence, assault, and battery in connection with the death of the victim, a 30-year-old man named Jordan Neely.
The incident occurred on May 1, 2023, when Penny, then 24 years old, placed Neely in a chokehold for approximately six minutes on a crowded underground train. Neely, who was homeless, had been behaving erratically and shouting before the altercation.
The victim's father is seeking damages exceeding the jurisdictional limits of lower courts through the lawsuit. Penny's lawyer has dismissed the suit as a distraction, emphasizing that Penny is currently awaiting a verdict from the jury.
During the trial, the defense challenged the city medical examiner's determination that the chokehold caused Neely's death. A defense pathologist suggested that Neely's death was a result of various factors, including drug use and underlying health conditions.
The jury, which is deliberating the case, requested to review various pieces of evidence, including videos of the incident and testimonies from medical experts. The case has sparked debates on race relations, public safety, homelessness, and mental illness, with differing perspectives on the actions of the defendant.
The trial has not yet reached a verdict, and the jury will continue its discussions. The case has raised important questions about use of force, self-defense, and the responsibilities of individuals in public spaces.
