NEW YORK– Jurors in the Daniel Penny Trial Deliberations began Tuesday, deciding whether the Marine veteran acted in self-defense or used excessive force when he Jordan Neely ended up in a stranglehold on the subway last year.
His lawyers presented their closing arguments on Mondayand asked the jurors to imagine that they were also on that train. They called the manslaughter and negligent homicide charges against Penny a hasty verdict, with protests and media attention motivating the district attorney’s office to file the charges — rather than the evidence.
Prosecutors say Penny was justified in using physical force, but he went too far and continued to put Neely in a chokehold even after the train pulled into the station and the passengers got off. The prosecutor wrapped up his closing arguments Tuesday morning before jurors were given the case.
The jury has listened to it in recent weeks testimonials from passengers, police officers And medical experts. Among those present Monday was Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Penny has pleaded not guilty and, if convicted, he faces up to 15 years in prison for the top manslaughter charge. The judge may also choose not to sentence him to any prison term.
