The trial of Daniel Penny, a 26-year-old architecture student and Marine Corps veteran, resumed on Monday with attorneys preparing to present their closing arguments following a break for Thanksgiving. Penny faces charges of manslaughter in the death of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old mentally ill homeless man who was high on synthetic marijuana during the incident.
Neely, who had a warrant out for his arrest at the time, had a history of criminal behavior and schizophrenia. Witnesses testified that Neely's behavior on the subway that day was particularly alarming, with many passengers feeling threatened by his aggressive outburst.
The prosecution argued that Penny went too far by restraining Neely in a chokehold after he began making death threats. The case has raised concerns about bias, with racial undertones highlighted in court despite no hate crime charges being filed.
Witnesses, including subway passengers and responding officers, recounted their experiences during the incident. Many described feeling scared and threatened by Neely's behavior, with some expressing relief when Penny intervened to restrain him.
Prosecutors emphasized the severity of the situation, while the defense raised objections to the handling of the case by the District Attorney's office. The jury is expected to receive thorough instructions from Judge Maxwell Wiley before beginning their deliberations.
In addition to the manslaughter charge, Penny also faces a lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide. Jurors will need to consider whether Penny's actions were reckless for a manslaughter conviction or negligent for the lesser charge.
The trial has drawn attention to the challenges faced on the city's public transit system and the complex legal issues surrounding self-defense and use of force in such situations. The outcome of the trial will have significant implications for both the defendant and the broader community.
