The Subway Chokehold Trial: A Look at Both Sides

The trial of Daniel Penny, the former Marine accused of killing Jordan Neely on a New York City subway, has taken a new turn. Penny's defense team has finished presenting their case after four days of testimonies. They focused on the cause of Neely's death and Penny's character. In May 2023, Neely died after Penny held him in a chokehold for six minutes. Neely was shouting and disturbing passengers. The defense argued that Neely's death wasn't solely due to the chokehold. They brought in character witnesses who spoke highly of Penny. They also introduced a psychiatrist who said Neely had schizophrenia. The defense challenged the medical examiner's ruling that Neely died from neck compression. A forensic pathologist testified that Neely's death was caused by a combination of factors, including his health issues and drug use. The trial will resume on Monday for a charging conference. The jury will decide Penny's fate after hearing closing arguments on December 2. Penny faces charges of second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.