The Chokehold Death of Jordan Neely: Family to File Wrongful Death Lawsuit Against Daniel Penny
The death of Jordan Neely on May 1, 2021, caused a firestorm after footage emerged of former Marine, Daniel Penny, putting him in a fatal chokehold on the F train. Penny, who is facing manslaughter charges in connection with the incident, claims his actions had nothing to do with race and that he stepped in to restrain Neely, who was acting erratically and threatening other passengers. However, Neely’s family believes that Penny should be tried for murder and is planning to file a wrongful-death lawsuit against him.
The Family’s Decision to File a Lawsuit
Jordan Neely’s aunt, Carolyn Neely, who is representing his estate, has hired the Manhattan law firm of Mills & Edwards to file a civil action against Penny. According to a letter obtained by The Post, Mills & Edwards will pursue a claim for personal injuries and wrongful death on behalf of Jordan’s family. “Your action resulted in the death of Jordan Neely,” reads the letter sent to Penny’s attorneys this week. The letter also requests Penny’s insurance information, indicating that the family is intent on holding him accountable for his actions.
Penny’s Defense and Support
Penny, who is out on $100,000 bail, faces a manslaughter charge in connection with Neely’s death. He claims that his actions were not racially motivated and that he regrets the system’s failure to address Neely’s mental health issues. However, Neely’s family believes that Penny deserves to be tried for murder, and the impending civil action suggests that the family is intent on seeking justice through other means.
Penny’s legal defense has received significant support in the form of a crowdfunding campaign on GiveSendGo. The campaign, created by his attorneys, is nearing $2.8 million in donations. Most of the donors have remained anonymous, but Penny’s attorneys have pledged to donate any remaining funds to a mental health program in New York City.
The Impact of Mental Health on the Incident
Jordan Neely has a long history of mental illness and several prior arrests. The incident on the F train raises questions about the state’s response to mental illness and its impact on law enforcement situations. While Penny’s defense team may argue that he was trying to help restrain Neely, it is clear that Neely needed professional help for his mental health issues. The case highlights the need for a more robust mental health system in New York City and across the United States.
Conclusion
The decision by Jordan Neely’s family to file a wrongful-death lawsuit against Daniel Penny suggests that they do not believe that his actions were justified. Despite Penny’s claims that he was trying to restrain Neely, the footage of the incident and the family’s reaction indicate that they view his actions as criminal. The case raises questions about the state’s response to mental illness, the role of law enforcement in dealing with mental health issues, and the impact of crowdfunding on legal defense. As the case unfolds, it will provide valuable insights into these important issues.