The trial of Daniel Penny, a former Marine, has captivated public attention due to the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Jordan Neely on a New York City subway in May 2023. Penny faces charges of second-degree manslaughter and negligent homicide for allegedly fatally choking Neely, a well-known Michael Jackson impersonator who was reportedly threatening passengers on the subway. This blog post provides a detailed account of the trial, including witness testimonies, video evidence, and the broader implications of the case.
Background of the Case
On May 1, 2023, Jordan Neely boarded a northbound F train in New York City. Witnesses reported that Neely, who was experiencing homelessness and mental health issues, began making aggressive comments and threatening passengers. Daniel Penny, a 26-year-old former Marine, approached Neely from behind and placed him in a chokehold. Neely was later pronounced dead at a hospital, with his death ruled a homicide by compression of the neck.
Key Developments in the Trial
1. Opening Statements: The trial began with opening statements from both the prosecution and the defense. The prosecution argued that Penny used excessive force and continued the chokehold for nearly six minutes, well past the point when Neely posed any threat. The defense contended that Penny acted to protect himself and other passengers from Neely's aggressive behavior.
2. Witness Testimonies:
- Eric Gonzalez: One of the key witnesses, Eric Gonzalez, testified that he helped Penny restrain Neely by holding his hands, hoping Penny would release the chokehold. Gonzalez admitted to initially lying to the police about Neely trying to hit him, stating he did so to justify his actions.
- Caedryn Schrunk: Another witness, Caedryn Schrunk, described Neely's behavior as threatening and said she felt a sense of relief when Penny restrained him. She testified that Neely did not physically attack anyone but made aggressive threats.
- Johnny Grima: Grima testified that he tried to help Neely by pouring water on his forehead after Penny released the chokehold. He expressed frustration that Penny told him to stop.
3. Expert Testimonies:
- Joseph Cavaller: A former Marine sergeant who trained Penny, explained the different types of chokeholds. He testified that a "blood choke" applies pressure to the carotid artery and should not be held for more than five seconds in training. Cavaller noted that Penny's chokehold appeared to be an attempted figure-four blood choke but could have been an air choke.
4. Video Evidence:
- Body Camera Footage: Jurors were shown body camera footage of Penny's initial encounter with police, where he explained his actions and expressed that he was trying to de-escalate the situation.
- Cellphone Videos: Videos taken by witnesses on the subway were also presented in court. These videos showed Penny restraining Neely while bystanders pleaded for him to let go.
Broader Implications
The trial has sparked widespread debate and divided public opinion. Some view Penny as a good Samaritan who acted to protect others, while others see him as a vigilante who overreacted. The case has also highlighted issues related to mental health, homelessness, and the use of force in self-defense situations.
Conclusion
As the trial continues, it remains to be seen how the jury will interpret the evidence and testimonies presented. Daniel Penny faces up to 19 years in prison if convicted. The outcome of this trial will likely have significant implications for how similar cases are handled in the future, particularly regarding the use of force and the treatment of individuals experiencing mental health crises.
For more detailed updates on the trial, you can follow the coverage on
[Newsweek](https://www.newsweek.com/daniel-penny-trial-jordan-neely-chokehold-death-martial-arts-instructor-1986054),
[ABC News](https://abcnews.go.com/US/man-helped-daniel-penny-restrain-jordan-neely-speaks/story?id=115515853), and
[CBS News](https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/news/daniel-penny-subway-chokehold-death-trial-witnesses/).
https://www.sacerdotus.com/2023/05/marine-daniel-penny-kills-homeless.html
https://www.sacerdotus.com/2023/06/daniel-penny-jordan-williams-self.html
https://www.sacerdotus.com/2024/10/trial-begins-for-marine-daniel-penny.html
https://www.sacerdotus.com/2023/06/daniel-penny-arraigned-jordan-williams.html
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