Jordan Neely, 30, was a black man who was killed on May 1, 2023, after being placed in a chokehold by a white ex-US Marine, Daniel Penny, on a New York City subway train.
Neely was homeless and known for his Michael Jackson impersonations.
He was riding the F train in Manhattan when he began shouting that he was hungry, thirsty and had little to live for.
Penny, who was sitting nearby, got up and put Neely in a chokehold. Neely lost consciousness and died at the scene.
Penny was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter. He pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to go to trial in September.
Neely’s death sparked protests and calls for Penny’s arrest. It also refocused attention on the struggles of homelessness and mental illness in America.
Neely was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, in 1993. He was raised by his mother and grandmother.
In 2007, when Neely was 14 years old, his mother was murdered by a man with whom she had been in an abusive relationship. Neely’s grandmother died a few years later.
After his mother’s death, Neely struggled with homelessness and mental illness. He spent time in and out of shelters and hospitals. He also turned to drugs and alcohol to cope with his pain.
Despite his struggles, Neely was a talented dancer and performer. He was known for his Michael Jackson impersonations.
He would often perform in Times Square and other parts of Manhattan. He was also a member of a dance troupe called the Harlem Shakers.
What did Jordan Neely yell?
Jordan Neely was yelling about being hungry and tired, that he did not mind “going to jail or getting life in prison”, and was “ready to die.”
He was also yelling about not having a place to sleep at night.
According to a witness, Neely was not being disruptive or aggressive. He was simply yelling about his circumstances.
The man who put Neely in a chokehold, Daniel Penny, has said that he was acting in self-defense. However, witnesses have said that Penny did not appear to be in danger.
Jordan Neely video
There are several videos that have been released of Jordan Neely who died after being restrained by a former Marine in a New York City subway station.
One video, which was taken by a bystander, shows Neely dancing and singing on the subway platform.
He is not being disruptive or aggressive.
Another video, which was taken by a security camera, shows Neely being approached by the former Marine, identified as Jason Penny.
Penny is seen grabbing Neely by the arm and then putting him in a chokehold. Neely struggles for several seconds before going limp.
The third video, which was taken by a different bystander, shows Penny being taken into custody by police.
Jordan Neely cause of death
Jordan Neely died on May 1, 2023, after being held in a chokehold by a former Marine on a subway train in Manhattan.
The New York City medical examiner’s office ruled Neely’s death a homicide, stating that he died from compression of neck (chokehold).
What happened to Jordan Neely?
Jordan Neely was killed on after being placed in a chokehold by Daniel Penny, an ex- US Marine, while they were riding the F train on the New York City Subway in Manhattan, New York City.
At least two others restrained Neely’s limbs. Freelance journalist and witness Juan Alberto Vázquez recorded video of the incident.
Penny was arrested and charged with second-degree manslaughter.
The medical examiner’s office ruled Neely’s death a homicide, stating that he died from compression of neck (chokehold).
Who is Daniel Penny?
Daniel Penny is the former Marine who was charged with manslaughter in the death of Jordan Neely.
Penny was 24 years old at the time of the incident and had served in the Marines for four years. He was discharged from the Marines in June 2021.
In May 2023, he was on a subway train in New York City when he saw Neely, a 35-year-old Black man, dancing and singing on the platform.
Penny approached Neely and put him in a chokehold. Neely struggled for several seconds before going limp. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The New York City medical examiner’s office ruled Neely’s death a homicide by chokehold. Penny was charged with manslaughter. He pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to go to trial:
Penny’s lawyers have argued that he was acting in self-defense and that he did not intend to kill Neely. They have also said that Neely was homeless and had a history of mental illness.
