Daniel Penny has been indicted by a grand jury in connection to the death of Jordan Neely, who tragically passed away in a New York subway on May 1, 2023.
Daniel Penny Indicted By Grand Jury
Following the ruling that Jordan Neely’s death was a homicide, officials have taken action. Daniel Penny, who allegedly placed Neely in a chokehold, has been charged with the killing. The grand jury’s indictment of Daniel Penny was confirmed by Neely’s family attorney in a statement to CBS News.
However, Daniel Penny’s defense attorney has expressed their intention to vigorously defend their client during the upcoming trial. Initially, Penny was charged with second-degree manslaughter in May and was subsequently released on bail.
Penny maintains that he placed Neely in a chokehold because Neely was behaving erratically and had reportedly made threats to harm fellow passengers. After the incident, Daniel Penny was questioned by authorities and released without charges at that time.
In a statement released last month, Penny’s attorney stated that their client had no intention of causing harm to Jordan Neely and could not have foreseen his sudden death.
Daniel Penny’s Claim
Penny claimed that Neely’s aggressive behavior, including threats to kill people, made him fearful, especially considering the presence of children and women in the vicinity.
Jordan Neely, known as a Michael Jackson impersonator, had been dealing with mental health issues following the death of his mother, according to family members. Rev. Al Sharpton, speaking at Neely’s funeral service, highlighted the need to address the criminalization of individuals with mental health problems.
In response to the grand jury’s indictment of Daniel Penny, Neely’s family released a statement expressing their belief that it is the right outcome for the wrongdoing committed. They also emphasized that the grand jury’s decision sends a message to the entire nation that nobody is exempt from the law.
READ ALSO: Two Bureau Of Prisons Employees In Virginia Indicted For Inmate’s Death Due To Medical Care Neglect