Justus Penny, 24, restrained Jordan Neely, 30, after he started shouting that he was hungry, thirsty, and had little to live for.
A former US Marine has been charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of a man on a New York subway
Neely was pronounced dead in hospital after the incident. Penny surrendered to police on Friday morning, according to sources. The decision to charge Penny was made after the district attorney’s office spent several days reviewing accounts of witnesses and video footage of the incident. Penny’s lawyers claim he acted to protect himself and other passengers from Neely, who had been “aggressively threatening” them. Neely, who was known for his Michael Jackson impersonations, had a history of mental health issues stemming from the traumatic killing of his mother when he was 14.
Mayor Eric Adams has called for mental health care reform in the city and beyond, saying Neely’s death “never should have happened”. Penny’s attorneys argue that he acted in self-defense and are confident he will be “fully absolved of any wrongdoing”.
The incident highlights the need for better support systems for those struggling with mental health problems
Penny, a decorated veteran who served in the Marines from 2017 to 2021, is due to be arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court. Neely’s family has criticized Penny’s actions, saying he knew nothing of Jordan’s history when he restrained him, and accusing him of indifference.
READ ALSO: Man Was Shot Dead After Pointing Gun To Three Officers In Irving