Death

Judge Dismisses Top Charge in High-Profile Subway Chokehold Death Case

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New York, NY — In a significant legal development, a Manhattan court on Friday dismissed a major felony charge against Daniel Penny related to the chokehold death of Jordan Neely on the subway system earlier this year. The decision followed after the jury communicated their inability to reach consensus on the manslaughter charge, having been deadlocked during two rounds of deliberations. Assistant District Attorney Dafna Yoran announced in court that she would seek dismissal of the top charge of second-degree manslaughter against Penny, marking a pivotal moment in this closely watched case. The judge promptly … Read more

Jury Deliberates Fate of Veteran Accused in Subway Chokehold Death Amid Tensions Over Public Safety and Mental Health Issues

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NEW YORK — A military veteran, Daniel Penny, could face up to 15 years behind bars if convicted in a controversial case that has gripped New York City. Accused of manslaughter, Penny is charged with fatally choking Jordan Neely, a homeless street performer, on a subway train under circumstances that raised alarm among passengers. Penny has entered a plea of not guilty, insisting that his intervention was necessary under the circumstances. On May 1, 2023, witnesses observed Neely, who was known for his Michael Jackson impersonations, acting erratically and screaming about starvation and dehydration. Some … Read more

Closing Arguments Heat Up in NYC Subway Chokehold Death Trial of Marine Veteran

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New York – Closing arguments unfolded on Monday in the high-profile trial of Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran who is accused of fatally choking Jordan Neely, a street performer known for his Michael Jackson impersonations, on a New York subway last year. Penny faces charges of second-degree manslaughter and negligent homicide, levied by Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg. The incident, which occurred on a northbound F-train, has catalyzed a mixture of national attention and local uproar, centered around issues of safety, mental health, and vigilante justice. Neely, who was frequently seen performing in places like … Read more

Texas Judge Steps Down from Death Row Case Amid Impartiality Concerns and Ties to Prosecution

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AUSTIN, Texas — In a turn of events that intertwines judicial decision-making with questions of ethics and justice, Senior District Judge Deborah Oakes Evans recently recused herself from a high-profile capital murder case in Anderson County. Evans, who retired last year, had been implicated in controversies regarding her impartiality linked to her longstanding relationships with key figures in the case. Evans had initially signed the execution warrant for death row inmate Robert Roberson, who was convicted in 2003 for the murder of his 2-year-old daughter, Nikki Curtis. The conviction was controversial, with prosecutors accusing Roberson … Read more