Grand jury indicts Daniel Penny in Jordan Neely chokehold demise

NEW YORK — A person charged with manslaughter for placing an agitated New York City subway rider in a deadly chokehold has been indicted by a grand jury, an anticipated procedural step that may enable the prison case to proceed.

Daniel Penny was charged by Manhattan prosecutors final month within the May 1 demise of Jordan Neely, a former Michael Jackson impersonator who struggled in recent times with homelessness and psychological sickness.

Grand jury proceedings are secret and spokespeople for Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg declined to remark Wednesday, however the indictment was confirmed by New York City Mayor Eric Adams.

“I appreciate DA Bragg conducting a thorough investigation into the death of Jordan Neely. Like I said when the DA first brought charges, I have the utmost faith in the judicial process, and now that the Grand Jury has indicted Daniel Penny, a trial and justice can move forward,” Adams mentioned in a press release.

Neely was shouting at passengers and begging for cash when Penny pinned him to the ground of the shifting subway automobile with the assistance of two different riders. Penny, a former U.S. Marine, then held Neely in a chokehold that lasted greater than three minutes.

Penny has mentioned he was defending himself and different passengers, claiming Neely shouted “I’m gonna’ kill you” and that he was “ready to die” or go to jail for all times.

A contract journalist who recorded Neely struggling to free himself, then lapsing into unconsciousness, mentioned he was performing aggressively and scary individuals however hadn’t assaulted anybody. Neely was Black. Penny is white.

Penny’s attorneys didn’t instantly reply to requests for remark.

Neely’s demise prompted protests, however some individuals have rallied round Penny, together with a number of of the Republican candidates for president.

Penny, 24, was launched on $100,000 bond following his May 12 arraignment. He might want to return to court docket to be arraigned on the brand new indictment.

Under New York regulation, prosecutors wanted a grand jury indictment to maneuver ahead with the case.