The tragic death of Jordan Neely on a crowded Manhattan subway train in May 2023 had a profound impact on New Yorkers. Bystander video of Daniel Penny placing the troubled homeless man in a fatal chokehold went viral, sparking outrage and controversy.
After months of anticipation, the case against Penny is finally going to trial, with jury selection beginning on Monday.
The jurors will play a critical role in determining Penny’s fate. They will be asked to carefully examine the events leading to Neely’s death and consider whether Penny’s actions were reckless enough to cause it.
The prosecution will argue that Penny’s chokehold on Neely was a key factor in his death, pointing out that Penny continued to restrain him even after he stopped moving.
On the other hand, Penny’s defense team will emphasize Neely’s threatening behavior towards other passengers as justification for Penny’s actions. They will also question the medical examiner’s ruling on the cause of Neely’s death.
Witnesses, police officers, and experts are expected to testify during the trial, shedding light on the events that unfolded that fateful day.
If convicted, Penny faces up to 15 years in prison for manslaughter and up to four years for criminally negligent homicide.
One potential complication in the case is the personal experiences of the jurors with the subway system, which could influence their perception of the events.
Overall, the trial will focus on the actions and intentions of Daniel Penny on the day of Jordan Neely’s death, with the jury playing a crucial role in determining the outcome of the case.
