Jordan Neely’s killer has turned himself in. Daniel Penny, a former Marine, has been charged with second-degree manslaughter. The man strangled Jordan Neely to death on an NYC train on May 1. The medical examiner ruled Neely’s death a homicide. As such, Penny turned himself in to the 5th Precinct on Friday morning, eleven days after the incident. He later posted a $100,000 bond and was released without entering a plea. The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office announced the charges against Penny the day before his arrest. According to his lawyer, Penny surrendered voluntarily and with dignity, invoking his military service.
Penny’s arrest comes amidst mounting tension in the city after Neely’s death. Manhattan prosecutors have faced significant pressure to charge him. Neely, a former street performer and Michael Jackson impersonator, had a history of mental health issues. Penny’s lawyers have maintained that he only intervened to protect himself and other passengers. Furthermore, they said he never intended to cause serious harm to Neely. However, Neely’s family demands that authorities charge Penny with murder instead of manslaughter, but the man’s lawyers expressed confidence that he would be cleared of any wrongdoing.
Jordan Neely’s Past Brushes With Authorities
(Photo by Andrew Lichtenstein/Corbis via Getty Images)
Authorities had arrested Neely 44 times for offenses such as assaults, attempted child abduction, drugs, and indecent exposure. He also had at least 43 cases where mental healthcare workers took him in for treatment. The Neely family held a brief press conference on Friday. One of their attorneys stated that Neely never attacked Penny or anyone else on the train. The family implored people to ask how they can help someone in a bad place rather than attack or choke them. They encouraged people to act with kindness and empathy.
Daniel Penny’s next court appearance has been scheduled for July. He could face up to 15 years in prison if found guilty. The incident has sparked discussions about the appropriate response to mental health crises. It has also cause people to talk about the use of force by law enforcement officers. Additionally, the case has raised concerns about the impact of PTSD and other mental health issues on veterans returning from war. What do you think of the situation? Sound off in the comments to let us know!
[Via]
