Breaking News: Judge Drops Manslaughter Charge Against Daniel Penny in Subway Incident!

In a dramatic turn of events, a New York judge has dismissed the second-degree manslaughter charge against Daniel Penny, a former Marine accused of fatally choking Jordan Neely, a homeless man, on a subway train. This dismissal comes after jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict during their lengthy deliberations.

Despite this, the jury must still evaluate a lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide, which carries a maximum sentence of four years. The manslaughter charge, which was dropped, could have led to a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.

The decision came on the fourth day of deliberations when jurors sent two notes indicating they could not agree on a unanimous vote regarding the manslaughter charge. Judge Maxwell Wiley expressed understanding over the prolonged deliberation, highlighting the case's factual complexity. After a second note confirmed their continued deadlock, the judge officially dismissed the manslaughter count and instructed the jurors to consider the negligent homicide charge instead.

Mr. Penny was charged following a tragic incident in May 2023, during which he restrained Jordan Neely, 30, in a chokehold lasting six minutes. Videos recorded by bystanders quickly surfaced on social media, showing the altercation that ultimately led to Neely's death. Penny’s defense maintains that he acted out of a desire to protect fellow passengers, stating that Neely had been exhibiting erratic behavior, demanding money, and expressing a desire to return to jail.

The case has ignited significant public outrage and sparked protests across New York City, highlighting ongoing issues surrounding mental health and homelessness. Demonstrators have frequently gathered outside the courtroom, voicing their support for Neely. As the jurors consider the remaining charge, the public remains divided, with calls for justice echoing in the streets.

Witnesses have testified about Neely's background, illuminating his struggles with mental health stemming from trauma—his mother was killed by her boyfriend over 15 years ago. Once known as a Michael Jackson impersonator in Times Square, Neely had been in and out of the criminal justice system, facing numerous arrests for offenses ranging from fare evasion to assault.

As the jury prepares to reconvene next week to continue deliberations on the remaining charge, the outcomes of both court proceedings and community responses remain to be seen. Public scrutiny will likely continue as the case unfolds, revealing deeper societal issues tied to mental health and the treatment of the homeless in urban landscapes. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story!