News Anchor Sage Steele is jubilant about Daniel Penny’s not-guilty verdict. After the jury found Penny innocent, the former ESPN host took to Twitter to express her delight. Her happiness contrasts sharply with that of others who think Penny’s actions were extreme and have protested since the incident. However, Steele and other supporters of the 26-year-old architecture student think Penny got justice.
Sage Steele Celebrates Daniel Penny’s Not Guilty Verdict
Shortly after the jury reached a not guilty verdict for Daniel Penny’s criminally negligent homicide charge, Sage Steele celebrated the decision online. The news anchor posted on X, formerly Twitter, on Monday, Dec. 9, 2024:
“I have chills. Praise God. Daniel Penny remains a hero in my book.”
Many fans agreed with Steele’s post, saying Penny did the right thing.
Someone wrote, “He should be a hero in everyone’s book. ” Another commented, “He should sue the city for wrongful prosecution.”
A third fan supported Daniel Penny’s not-guilty verdict, writing:
“To all the protesters outside the NYC courtroom after Daniel Penny was found not guilty — maybe get a life and protest on your day off. If you were on that train, you’d see it differently. Today, thank a Marine or service member. We’re trained to act, not overthink.” Another X user responded, “He should be free.. and we need more men like Daniel Penny.”
Daniel Penny’s Prosecution
Daniel Penny’s not-guilty verdict has been hotly debated by many who thought he went too far in trying to restrain Jordan Neely, 30. Neely was a homeless man who died from Penny’s six-minute chokehold. Neely and Penny boarded the same train in New York City on May 1, 2023. Passengers on the train have reported varying accounts of the incident, but it is generally agreed that Neely behaved “erratically” in the subway car. The late man reportedly screamed that he was hungry, thirsty, and needed a job.
He also lunged at passengers, according to several eyewitnesses who said they feared for their lives. However, some eyewitnesses reported that the incident was like other outbursts on a New York subway train, and Neely didn’t assault anyone. Meanwhile, Penny approached Neely from behind and held him in a chokehold. He also reportedly didn’t stop choking the 30-year-old after he fell limp. Meanwhile, bystanders warned Penny he was going to kill Neely if he didn’t let go quickly. However, the former marine didn’t listen.
Jury Finds Daniel Penny Not Guilty
Daniel Penny’s case went viral and drew national attention. He was charged with second-degree manslaughter on May 11, 2023. A lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide was added to his charges a few weeks later. The manslaughter charge was dismissed on Friday, Dec. 6, after a jury deadlock. His other charge was dismissed on Monday. Defense attorney Steven Raiser argued that Penny “acted to save” subway passengers from a “violent and desperate” Neely, who frightened everyone.
However, the prosecution told jurors that “so much less than deadly physical force would have done the job of protecting the passengers from Mr. Neely.” The coroner also concluded that Neely died from Daniel Penny’s chokehold. However, the defense argued that Neely’s genetic condition and the synthetic marijuana found in his system killed him. Meanwhile, Jordan Neely’s father, Andre Zachary, filed a wrongful death suit against Daniel Penny on December 5 on the grounds of negligence, assault, and battery.
Jordan Neely’s death has raised awareness about homelessness and drug use in the country. Hopefully, his death will lead to more careful measures being adopted in dealing with such situations to prevent more frightening situations and deaths.
#Clique, what do you think of Daniel Penny’s not-guilty verdict? Let us know in the comments.
