Marine Vet Daniel Penny Indicted for Holding Homeless Man in Fatal Chokehold on NYC Subway
A Manhattan grand jury has voted to indict Daniel Penny, a retired U.S. Marine, for holding Jordan Neely in a
Nik Richie
A Manhattan grand jury has voted to indict Daniel Penny, a retired U.S. Marine, for holding Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold on the New York City subway. Penny, 24, now faces second-degree manslaughter charges. The incident occurred on May 1 when Neely, a homeless man and street artist, began shouting at passengers about his hunger and thirst, expressing indifference towards his own life. Penny responded by forcing Neely to the floor of the train and restraining him in a chokehold until he stopped breathing. The medical examiner determined Neely’s death to be a homicide.
Penny surrendered to the police last month and has been released on a $100,000 bond. The case has garnered attention due to its implications for the treatment of unhoused individuals in the city. Neely was on a New York City Department of Homeless Services list of homeless people with acute needs, raising questions about their vulnerability and safety. Penny’s attorneys and Neely’s family representatives have yet to comment on the indictment.
The incident, partially captured on video and shared online, sparked protests demanding justice for Neely. Manhattan prosecutors deliberated extensively before deciding to apprehend and charge Penny. The case has highlighted the city’s approach to handling the complex issue of homelessness and its consequences.