On December 6, 2024, Daniel Penny was acquitted by a Manhattan jury of criminally negligent homicide in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely, which occurred on May 1, 2023, on a crowded subway. The trial, which began on November 1, 2024, concluded with the jury deadlocked on manslaughter charges but finding Penny not guilty of the lesser charge. Penny, a former Marine, argued that he acted to protect fellow passengers from Neely, a Black man with a documented history of mental illness who was reportedly menacing passengers at the time of the incident. The case has sparked significant national debate over issues of crime, vigilantism, and the treatment of individuals with mental health issues in public spaces. Over 40 witnesses testified during the trial, with some expressing fear of Neely's behavior, which included erratic actions and threats. Neely had synthetic marijuana in his system and was diagnosed with schizophrenia, raising questions about the intersection of mental health and public safety. Supporters of Penny deemed his actions justified, while prosecutors argued that he used excessive force in restraining Neely. The trial highlighted societal divisions regarding crime and justice, particularly in urban environments where tensions can run high. As the community reflects on this verdict, the implications for public safety and mental health advocacy remain at the forefront of discussions in New York City and beyond. The outcome of this case may influence future legal standards regarding self-defense and the responsibilities of bystanders in emergency situations, underscoring the complexities surrounding mental health crises and public safety.
This case echoes a similar incident from 40 years earlier involving Bernhard Goetz, who shot four would-be robbers on the New York City subway on December 22, 1984. Goetz, then 37, defended himself with a handgun after being approached by teenagers demanding money. He was acquitted of attempted murder but convicted of third-degree weapons possession. Both the Goetz and Penny cases reflect public sentiment on crime in New York City, with racial dynamics scrutinized in both trials. The historical context of vigilante justice in the city raises questions about how societal views on crime and self-defense have evolved over the decades, and how they continue to shape legal outcomes and public discourse today.