VET DANIEL PENNY UPDATE: JURY IS BEING SELECTED IN NYC SUBWAY CASE
On May 1, 2023, Jordan Neely was killed by Daniel Penny, allegedly. Respectfully, we have to put that. However, the ongoing case is a fairly complex one considering the social climate in which the incident occurred. Daniel Penny was hoping that the second-degree manslaughter charges would be dismissed by a judge declining to do so. Now, the Veteran likely faces an even longer legal road where some are seeking justice for Neely. On the other hand, some feel Penny’s actions are completely justified. In case you haven’t been following the Daniel Penny trial, Penny is white, Neely is Black, and if you think that doesn’t matter here, you haven’t been paying attention. Now, in October 2024, jury selection has finally begun as this case moves forward while the eyes of the nation continue to watch for the outcome.
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Who Is Daniel Penny?
Daniel Penny served in the U.S. Marine Corps before his honorable discharge in 2021. While it’s a bit unknown about much else, Daniel Penny is in the spotlight of a somewhat high-profile case involving the death of Jordan Neely on the F train in SoHo.
Following multiple deployments in the Mediterranean, Penny would separate from service. As a civilian, he put Neely in a chokehold after pinning him to the ground with others. The exact amount of time Daniel Penny held the chokehold is fuzzy, but the estimation is at least 3 to 6 minutes.
The altercation occurred after Neely was seen asking for money and shouting in a subway in New York City. By some accounts, Penny was helping to defend a woman from Neely, but others claim Neely was a street performer asking for money.
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An Ongoing Trial
On March 20, 2024, Penny will be back in court after a judge's decision to keep the trial moving forward. The decision was met with mixed opinions and plenty of demonstrators outside of the courtroom.
Unfortunately, Neely struggled with homelessness, stemming from his ongoing mental health issues. While there are some calling Daniel Penny a racist, others view him as a hero who helped defend those on the subway that day. This is a good time to remind everyone that Penny is innocent until proven guilty. It’s also worth pointing out that this may be why the trial is so important.
Where Is Daniel Penny Now?
As of now, Penny is free on a $100,000 bond and is awaiting trial. It’s believed that he remains in the New York City area, as he is undergoing a legal process that will determine whether or not he is innocent or guilty of the charges levied against him.
Daniel Penny Update: Jury Selection Has Begun
A new Daniel Penny update began on Monday, October 12, 2024, as jury selection began for the Manhattan trial. Out of the 86 potential jurors brought in, most were familiar with the case, as to be expected.
Outside of the courthouse, Penny was met by protesters supporting Neely.
However, New York Supreme Court Justice Maxwell Wiley reminded jurors they could serve even if they had formed opinions, as long as they were open to changing them.
By midday, there were 58 jurors excused with 28 asked to come back for more questioning. Additionally, more potential jurors were brought in and on Friday, October 25, 2024, more questions are being asked.
Both prosecution and defense motions to suppress evidence were denied, allowing all evidence to be presented during the trial.
Penny’s defense argues he didn’t intend to kill Jordan Neely, citing Neely’s threats and other potential causes of death, including the synthetic drug K2 in Neely’s system.
On the other hand, prosecutors maintain Penny’s actions were reckless, even if there was no intent to kill.
The latest Daniel Penny update has the Veteran remaining firm in his stance and pleading not guilty to the charges levied against him.
Now, it will be the job of the jury to hear the facts and determine whether or not Penny is guilty as charged.
Whether Daniel Penny is guilty or innocent will be found in what should be a very public trial. Until then, it’s our job to remain patient and allow the American justice system to work as it was intended before levying judgment, as everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
How to Donate to Daniel Penny
Rendering a Penny verdict may be a long way away as the legal process plays out. Because of this, legal expenses are likely to skyrocket for Penny. However, many in and outside of the military community looking for ways to support him.
At the time of this writing, the GiveSendGo campaign set up in lieu of a Daniel Penny GoFundMe, is over $3 million. Daniel Penny deserves a fair trial and the family of Jordan Neely deserves the truth. Hopefully, this trial will bring a minor resolution to a complex, heartbreaking situation for all.
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