The jury in Daniel Penny’s subway death trial has declared itself deadlocked on the manslaughter charge, leaving the case unresolved.
New York City, NY — The jury in the trial of Daniel Penny, the former Marine accused of manslaughter in the death of Jordan Neely, has declared itself deadlocked on the charges. This announcement came after several days of deliberation in a tense courtroom atmosphere, leaving the future of the case uncertain.
Penny, 24, is facing a manslaughter charge for his role in the May 2023 incident aboard a New York City subway train. During the altercation, Penny placed Neely, a homeless man with a history of mental illness, in a fatal chokehold. The incident sparked widespread controversy, with many divided on whether Penny’s actions were justified as self-defense or whether they amounted to excessive force.
The jury, after deliberating for more than a week, was unable to reach a unanimous decision on whether Penny should be convicted of manslaughter. The judge informed the court that the panel had been unable to break the deadlock, despite multiple attempts to encourage a consensus.
Legal experts suggest that a deadlocked jury could lead to a mistrial, which may result in the case being retried at a later date. Meanwhile, the case continues to garner national attention, with debates around self-defense, police conduct, and the treatment of the homeless in urban centers remaining at the forefront.
The defense team for Daniel Penny maintains that he acted out of fear for his life when Neely began behaving erratically and threatening passengers on the train. Penny’s legal team argues that the chokehold was a reasonable response to a perceived threat. However, prosecutors argue that Penny used excessive force, and that Neely’s death could have been avoided.
The judge has scheduled another hearing to determine the next steps in the trial. Until then, the fate of Daniel Penny remains in legal limbo, with both sides awaiting further developments. The case continues to be a flashpoint for discussions about public safety, criminal justice, and accountability in high-pressure situations. Global Updates
