Manslaughter Charges Expected Against Former Marine Who Used Chokehold

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A former U.S. Marine who held Jordan Neely in a chokehold on a New York City subway is expected to be charged with manslaughter, multiple outlets reported Thursday, just over a week after Neely’s death sparked protests throughout the city.

Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran, is expected to turn himself in Friday, after allegedly holding … [+] Jordan Neely in a fatal chokehold on a New York City subway.

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Key Facts

Marine veteran Daniel Penny, who was taken into custody and released following the incident on May 1, will surrender to authorities Friday, anonymous sources told CNN and NBC News.

Penny, 24, reportedly restrained Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, after he acted hostile toward other passengers on a northbound F train.

Penny’s attorney has previously argued his client “never intended to harm” Neely, and said Neely was “aggressively threatening” Penny and other passengers before he and other passengers “acted to protect themselves.”

Penny’s attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Forbes.

Authorities have not publicly announced any charges.

Key Background

Video of Neely’s death, which was ruled a homicide by the New York City medical examiner’s office two days after the incident, showed Penny grabbing Neely by the neck and bringing him to the floor of the subway while another passenger held his hand. Police in New York initially questioned Penny but released him without filing any charges, leading to city-wide protests. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) called the incident “horrific,” saying, “there have to be consequences,” while Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez (D-N.Y.) slammed the lack of immediate charges against Penny as “disgusting.” The Manhattan District Attorney’s office announced an investigation into his death last Thursday.

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