In a recent court appearance, Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old former United States Marine, entered a plea of not guilty for the chokehold death of Jordan Neely. In a video that documented the event, Penny was seen restraining Neely, an unhoused street performer of Black ethnicity, in a chokehold that tragically resulted in his demise within the confines of a subway car in New York.
The hearing, a concise proceeding of under five minutes, witnessed Penny offering a resolute declaration of “not guilty” as his sole response. The recent indictment for second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide was brought forth by a grand jury in Manhattan. Despite the charges, Penny remains free on a $100,000 bond, with no adjustments to his conditions during the hearing. The tragic incident has sparked outrage and intensified calls for justice.
Neely’s family, along with advocates against police brutality, are closely following the case. The assertion of innocence through the plea of not guilty has sparked additional discourse in the public sphere concerning the disproportionate employment of force and the responsibility of those in law enforcement. Penny’s next court appearance is slated for October 25th, signifying the ongoing progression of the legal proceedings.The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to address the issues of racial injustice and excessive force within the criminal justice system.
