Daniel Penny, a former US marine, has been arrested for the death of Jordan Neely. Penny allegedly held Neely in a chokehold for over two minutes, which resulted in his death. The incident occurred on May 1 on the New York subway. Penny was arraigned on charges of manslaughter, but did not enter a plea. His lawyers argued that he did not know the chokehold would lead to Neely’s death.
According to eyewitnesses, Neely entered a train car and whipped his shirt around, saying he was hungry and thirsty. Some perceived his actions as violent. Penny entered the car and put Neely in a chokehold, with two other people helping to restrain him. The entire incident was recorded by a freelance journalist, Juan Alberto Vazquez. The medical examiner ruled Neely’s death a homicide due to compression of the neck.
Penny appeared in court and was released on $100,000 bail. He is directed to return to court on July 17 and turn over his passport. If convicted, he faces 15 years in prison. The incident has led to protests in several American cities and an investigation by the Manhattan district attorney’s office.
