Daniel Penny was charged with reckless manslaughter after he choked a homeless person to death. This homeless person, Jordan Neely barged into a New York subway car and began shouting death threats.
The jury now deliberates his fate, and a conclusion is expected to be reached soon.
Neely was high on K2, a drug described as a form of synthetic marijuana with a similar effect to cocaine. He was experiencing a severe case of paranoid schizophrenia, he also had a lengthy criminal history and an active arrest warrant.
During Neely’s violent outburst, the former marine sprung into action and placed him in a chokehold. That chokehold subsequently killed Neely.
Over 40 witnesses have testified in the case to charge him with second-degree manslaughter. Second-degree manslaughter is defined as when a person “recklessly” causes the death of another person with conduct that “creates or contributes to a substantial and unjustifiable risk”
Penny also faces criminally negligent homicide, which is a class E felony - defined at as homicide when a person fails to perceive the risks of their actions but goes through with them anyway.
If found guilty, Penny will face 15 years in prison.
