A 24-year-old former Marine has been charged with strangling a homeless man in New York
Daniel Penny, 24, leaves court
What: AB
Demonstrations erupted in New York after the violent death of Jordan Neely. Now ex-soldier Daniel Penny, who allegedly strangled a homeless man, has appeared in court for the first time. But he also has supporters who have already raised a million dollars.
NAfter the death of a homeless man on a New York subway, the passenger responsible has now been charged.
Former soldier Daniel Penney turned himself in to police on Friday and was arraigned before a judge on what is being called second-degree manslaughter. The 24-year-old was later released on bail. If convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison.
The death of 30-year-old Jordan Neely, who previously made money as a Michael Jackson impersonator, was caught on cellphone video and caused a stir in early May. According to witnesses, the African American started yelling at passengers in the subway. However, it is said that he did not physically attack anyone. Passenger Benny overpowered Neely and held him in a choke hold for several minutes as he lay on the floor.
Neely was taken unconscious to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Forensic medicine classified the case as death due to third party negligence, so the cause of death was strangulation.
Neely’s family is seeking murder charges
The death of a homeless man with mental health issues generated headlines and protests across the country. Activists and left-wing MPs called for the arrest of Penny, who was initially released after being questioned by police. There were repeated protests, but there were also voices defending Penny. An online fundraiser to cover his legal fees has already raised more than $1.1 million. As of Saturday afternoon (local time), nearly 25,000 individual donations were listed on the website.
Attorneys for the Neely family, portrait of deceased at right
What: AB
The Manhattan Attorney’s Office decided to charge the 24-year-old with second-degree manslaughter during the investigation. In New York State, this charge refers to the gross negligence of a person who caused the death of another human being. Intent to kill is not considered. According to US media, the indictment still needs to be formally confirmed by a jury, known as a grand jury.
Neely family attorney Lennon Edwards said Penny should have been charged with murder on Friday. “We need a full glass of justice here.”
Lawyers for the accused speak of civil courage
On the other hand, the ex-marine’s lawyers were hopeful that their client would be acquitted. “He risked his life and safety for other passengers. The unfortunate result was Mr Neely’s sudden and unexpected death.
Daniel Penney (left) in court.
What: REUTERS
According to media reports, Neely has been arrested several times in the past. Accordingly, he became mentally ill after his mother was killed. Neely was still a teenager then.
His death on May 1 touches on two issues making headlines in New York: psychological problems among the city’s many homeless people and safety on the subway.
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