Daniel Penny's Manslaughter Trial Begins in NYC

Jury selection begins for Daniel Penny, a former Marine charged with second-degree manslaughter in the death of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old street performer who died after being placed in a chokehold during a May 2023 subway incident. Penny, who claims he acted to protect fellow passengers from Neely, faces serious charges as the medical examiner ruled Neely's death a homicide due to neck compression. Witnesses reported that Neely was behaving erratically and making threats, prompting Penny and others to restrain him. The trial is expected to last up to six weeks and has sparked discussions on race, mental health, and urban safety. Prosecutors argue that Penny recklessly caused Neely's death by maintaining the chokehold beyond the point of necessity, while the defense maintains he did not intend to kill. If convicted, Penny could face up to 15 years in prison for his actions.