Trial Begins for Daniel Penny in Subway Death

The trial of Daniel Penny, a former Marine accused of fatally choking homeless man Jordan Neely on a NYC subway in May 2023, is set to begin with opening statements on Friday. Penny faces charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide after Neely, who reportedly threatened passengers, died following a chokehold that lasted several minutes. The jury, comprised of seven women and five men, includes four people of color, amid accusations from prosecutors that the defense improperly dismissed jurors based on race. Penny's defense argues that he acted in self-defense to protect other passengers, while prosecutors claim he used excessive force, resulting in Neely's death. If convicted, Penny could face up to 19 years in prison. The trial is expected to last four to six weeks, with tensions already evident in pre-trial proceedings regarding jury selection.