Jury selection is set to begin on Monday in the trial of a Marine Corps veteran who is facing manslaughter charges after an incident on a New York City subway. The veteran, Daniel Penny, 25, was captured on cellphone video placing an erratic and aggressive passenger, Jordan Neely, in a chokehold. Tragically, Neely, 30, later died as a result of the altercation.
Neely had a history of mental illness and a criminal record that included prior allegations of violence within the subway system. Penny faces charges of manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide, with a potential sentence of up to 19 years in prison if convicted.
Penny's defense team expressed confidence in the upcoming trial, stating that there is overwhelming evidence justifying Penny's actions as necessary to protect other commuters on the train. On the other hand, attorneys representing Neely's family argue that Penny's intervention was unjustified and resulted in Neely's tragic death.
Supporters of Neely gathered outside the Manhattan courthouse wearing 'Malcom X' hats and calling for justice. Some protesters advocated for the abolition of police, while others attributed Neely's death to what they described as 'White supremacist violence.'
According to testimony from a previous hearing, Neely had exhibited erratic behavior on the train, making threats and causing distress among passengers. Penny, in his statement to detectives, explained that he perceived a threat to the safety of passengers, prompting him to intervene by placing Neely in a chokehold in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.
Penny maintained that his actions were not intended to cause harm but rather to ensure the safety of those on the train. He mentioned that he, along with two other men, restrained Neely until authorities arrived. Investigators confirmed that Neely was still breathing when they released him from the hold.
The trial is expected to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine the legal implications of Penny's actions. As jury selection commences, both sides are preparing to present their cases in pursuit of justice and accountability.
