(KNSI) — The U.S. Marine veteran accused of killing another passenger on a New York City subway after he became violent and was threatening people has been acquitted.
Daniel Penny was charged with negligent homicide and manslaughter for the May 2023 chokehold death of Jordan Neely. Neely, who is homeless, allegedly began screaming he was hungry and thirsty, was out of a job, ready to die, wasn’t afraid of going to prison and was also accused of making threats. Other passengers said they feared Neely and what he might do, adding he was approaching people and throwing garbage at them.
Penny came at Neely from behind, putting him in a chokehold and held him there until the train came to a stop at the next station. Other passengers held Neely down until police arrived while others shouted at Penny to lay off, warning Neely was going to die.
The jury found Penny not guilty of negligent homicide after he was acquitted of the top charge of manslaughter last week when the jury could not reach a verdict.
Earlier reports said Neely had an extensive criminal record, including 42 arrests on charges including petty larceny, jumping subway turnstiles, theft, and three unprovoked assaults on women in the subway between 2019 and 2021.
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