Grand jury begins hearing evidence in NYC subway chokehold death of Jordan Neely
A grand jury has been convened to hear evidence in the manslaughter case involving a white man who fatally choked an unarmed Black homeless man on a New York City subway train. The defendant, Daniel Penny, claims he acted in self-defense and to protect other passengers.
However, there is concern that the grand jury’s decision may mirror past cases of alleged violence and chokehold deaths. If Penny is not indicted, it could potentially set a precedent for others to resort to violence in situations that may not warrant such force.
The manslaughter rap carries a sentence of up to 15 years in prison.
Penny surrendered to cops to face the charge May 12 — more than 10 days after he placed Neely, a 30-year-old disturbed homeless man, in a lethal chokehold on an F train in lower Manhattan. He is out on $100,000 bail.
