On Friday, Daniel Penny was arrested less than one day after prosecutors announced he would be charged with manslaughter in the death of Jordan Neely.
Penny, a 24-year-old U.S. Marine veteran, could face up to 15 years in prison after he was seen on video using a chokehold on the homeless Black man on May 1 after an encounter on the subway car.
NYPD hasn’t released many details about what exactly happened leading up to the deadly incident on May 1 and immediately before police arrived.
Lawyers for Penny said he acted in self-defense.
On Friday, a judge signed off on Penny’s release with a $100,000 bond. He was ordered him to return his passport to authorities and remain in New York unless he received approval.
Neely’s family reportedly said he started experiencing mental illness at 14 after his mother was killed.
Neely was known to many passengers as a Michael Jackson impersonator who loved to dance. People who knew Neely said his appearance had changed recently and he didn’t appear healthy.
According to lawyers, bystanders who were on board the New York subway on May 1 reportedly said Neely did not physically assault anyone shortly before Penny approached Neely from behind.
Witnesses reportedly said Neely had been yelling on the subway and threw his jacket down. Penny held Neely in a chokehold as the man tried to free himself. Two men can be seen in the video helping Penny restrain Neely.
Neely was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.
Penny is due back in court on July 17.
More about the case can be found here.
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