Ethan Rhodes
Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man in New York City, died in hospital on Monday afternoon after being put in a chokehold by another rider on the subway. Neely, who was reportedly agitated and threatening passengers, was restrained by 24-year-old Daniel Penny, a Marine veteran. Neely was unconscious when police arrived and was pronounced dead at Lenox Hill Hospital. His death was ruled a homicide, with the cause of death determined to be compression of the neck. The incident has sparked protests and debates around Penny's actions and the city's treatment of its most vulnerable residents. Neely's loved ones and city officials have called for justice and accountability in the wake of his death.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Jordan Maurice Caine Neely |
| Age | 30 |
| Occupation | Michael Jackson impersonator, entertainer, busker |
| Housing status | Homeless |
| Mental health status | Suffering from severe mental illness |
| Date of death | May 1, 2023 |
| Day of the week | Monday |
| Time of death | Afternoon |
| Cause of death | Compression of the neck (chokehold) |
| Manner of death | Homicide |
| Location of death | Hospital |
| Pronounced dead by | NYPD, New York City Fire Department |
| Assailant | Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old Marine veteran |
| Charges against assailant | Second-degree manslaughter, negligent homicide |
| Verdict | Not guilty of negligent homicide; Manslaughter charge dismissed |
| Family response | Wrongful death suit filed by father Andre Zachary |
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What You'll Learn
Jordan Neely's cause of death
Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, died on May 1, 2023, after being put in a chokehold by Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old United States Marine Corps veteran. Neely reportedly boarded a Manhattan F train in New York City and began screaming that he was hungry, thirsty, and needed a job. He also mentioned that he was not afraid of going to prison and was "ready to die".
The New York Police Department received a call about a fight on the train at around 2:27 p.m. and arrived before 2:30 p.m. to find Neely unconscious. He was administered first aid and Narcan and was eventually given CPR. Neely was then transported to Lenox Hill Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The city's chief medical examiner determined the cause of death to be "compression of the neck," ruling the manner of death as a homicide.
The incident was captured in a video recorded by Juan Alberto Vázquez, a journalist and eyewitness. The video shows Neely and Penny on the floor of the subway car with Penny's arm wrapped around Neely's neck. Vázquez stated that Neely did not interact with Penny before the chokehold and that the chokehold lasted for about 15 minutes. Other passengers also helped to restrain Neely for several minutes.
Neely's death sparked protests and debates, with many calling for justice and accountability. It also brought attention to the issues of homelessness, mental illness, and the city's social safety net. Neely's father, Andre Zachery, filed a wrongful death suit, and Penny was initially charged with second-degree manslaughter but was later found not guilty.
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Daniel Penny's charges
Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, was killed after being put in a chokehold by Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old United States Marine Corps veteran. Neely reportedly boarded a New York City subway train at the Second Avenue station and began screaming that he was hungry, thirsty, and needed a job, saying he was not afraid of going to prison and was "ready to die". He also threw his jacket to the floor, in response to which other passengers moved away from him.
When the train reached Broadway–Lafayette Street station, riders prevented the train from moving onward by holding open the train doors, waiting for the police to come. It is estimated that the time from when Neely boarded the train to when it reached the next station was one minute.
Prosecutors said that the chokehold began less than 30 seconds before the train arrived at the Broadway-Lafayette Street station. Most passengers exited the car where the physical fight was underway. Penny maintained the chokehold on Neely for several minutes, at least three of which were recorded in a video by Vazquez, a journalist who witnessed the incident.
Neely was pronounced dead after being transported to Lenox Hill Hospital. His death was ruled a homicide by the city's chief medical examiner's office.
Daniel Penny was charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. Penny pleaded not guilty to both charges. The manslaughter charge was dismissed at the request of the prosecutors after jurors said they were deadlocked. A Manhattan jury found Penny not guilty of criminally negligent homicide.
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Jordan Neely's mental health
Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man in New York City, was killed after being put in a chokehold by Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old US Marine Corps veteran. Neely, who was reportedly agitated and threatening passengers, was restrained by Penny, leading to his death. This incident has raised questions about the city's social safety net and mental health resources for the homeless community. Neely exhibited signs of mental distress, with witnesses describing his behaviour as ""aggressive" and erratic". He was shouting that he was hungry, thirsty, and needed a job, and that he was not afraid of going to prison.
Neely's mental health struggles may have been compounded by a traumatic event in his youth. When he was 14 years old, his mother, Christie Neely, was murdered by her boyfriend, Shawn Southerland. The loss of his mother, with whom he had a very close relationship, had a profound impact on Neely. He was heartbroken and struggled to cope with the tragedy. Neely's great aunt, Mildred Mahazu, recalled seeing him sitting with a far-off look in his eyes, rocking side to side, and expressing his longing for his mother.
Neely's friend and mentor, Moses Harper, a dance instructor and performer, described him as a "gifted, kind, young soul" who was trying to find joy and peace in a world that could be cruel to those experiencing homelessness. Harper, who had known Neely since he was 16, encouraged him to address any substance abuse issues and get the help he needed. She understood the challenges faced by young homeless men like Neely, who sometimes resorted to minor offences or claiming suicidal thoughts to access basic needs like food and shelter.
Neely's death has sparked protests and debates about the city's treatment of its most vulnerable residents and the inadequate mental health support available to them. New York City Mayor Eric Adams had previously announced controversial policies, including increased police presence around subway stations and homeless encampments. However, Neely's death highlights the need for a more comprehensive approach that addresses the underlying social and mental health issues faced by the homeless community.
Neely's father, Andre Zachery, filed a wrongful death suit against Penny, expressing his grief and the need for justice. He described his son as "a good kid and a good man" who did not deserve to die. The case has prompted discussions about the role of bystanders and the responsibility to intervene when individuals are in distress, with attorney Lennon Edwards emphasising that "15 minutes is too long to go without help, intervention, and without air."
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The response of the NYPD
The New York Police Department (NYPD) reportedly received a call about a fight on a train at around 2:25 pm or 2:27 pm. The NYPD arrived on the scene before 2:30 pm, administering first aid to an unconscious Jordan Neely. Neely was then pronounced dead at a hospital.
The NYPD's initial response to the incident has been the subject of scrutiny and criticism. In particular, the fact that Daniel Penny, the man who put Neely in a chokehold, was questioned and then released without immediate arrest has sparked outrage and protests. Many, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, have called for Penny's arrest and for justice for Neely.
The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is reviewing the case and conducting a thorough investigation. They will review the medical examiner's report, medical records, video and photo evidence, and interview witnesses. However, there is no timeline for when a decision on charges will be made.
The NYPD has faced criticism for its handling of the case, particularly regarding the initial response and the decision to release Penny. The public and Neely's family are demanding accountability and justice, with protests and rallies calling for action and highlighting the inadequate policies towards vulnerable and marginalized residents in New York City.
In addition to the District Attorney's investigation, a wrongful death suit was filed by Neely's father, Andre Zachary, in the New York Supreme Court. The suit alleged negligence, assault, and battery. While a manslaughter charge against Penny was initially dismissed, the public and Neely's family continue to seek justice and hold those responsible accountable.
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Jordan Neely's background
Jordan Maurice Caine Neely was a 30-year-old homeless man with a history of mental illness. He was well-known as a Michael Jackson impersonator in Times Square and on the subway. Neely had an extensive criminal record, including 42 arrests for offenses such as petty larceny, theft, jumping subway turnstiles, and assaults. Between 2019 and 2021, he was involved in three unprovoked assaults on women in the subway.
Neely had places he belonged and people looking out for him. His uncle, Christopher Neely, tried to find him when he was alive, but Jordan fled. Jordan's father, Andre Zachery, described him as a "good kid and a good man". Jordan was the child of Christie Neely and Andre Zachery, born on December 18, 1992. Christie and Andre met at Sweetwater's on the Upper West Side. Andre was dining with his friend Pharoah Davis, the other half of their R&B vocal quartet called Asanté. Jordan was Christie's only child, and the two were said to be "like peas in a pod".
Jordan's mother, Christie, was murdered when he was 12 years old. Her body was found in a suitcase on the side of the Henry Hudson Parkway. The man who murdered her, Shawn Southerland, was convicted. Jordan had to face his mother's killer in court when he testified at the trial. He had bounced around in the five years since his mother's murder. Jordan's great-aunt, Mildred Mahazu, said that he developed major depression, schizophrenia, and post-traumatic stress disorder following the murder.
Jordan Neely was killed on May 1, 2023, in New York City. He boarded a subway train at the Second Avenue station and began screaming that he was hungry, thirsty, and needed a job. He said he was not afraid of going to prison and was "ready to die". A journalist who witnessed the incident, Juan Alberto Vázquez, said that Neely did not interact with his killer, Daniel Penny, prior to the chokehold. Neely was held in the chokehold position for about 15 minutes and was unconscious when the police arrived. He was pronounced dead at Lenox Hill Hospital.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Jordan Neely died at the hospital after being put in a chokehold by Daniel Penny on the New York City Subway.
Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man, boarded a train at the Second Avenue station and started screaming that he was hungry, thirsty, and needed a job. He also said he was not afraid of going to prison and was "ready to die". Neely then removed his jacket and threw it to the floor.
Jordan Neely died from "compression of the neck (chokehold)", and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.
Daniel Penny, a 24-year-old Marine veteran, was initially questioned by the police and released. However, he was later charged with second-degree manslaughter in Mr. Neely's death following public outcry and calls for justice.
