NEW YORK (AP) — New York City Mayor Eric Adams said Wednesday that Jordan Neely’s death at the hands of another subway rider was “a tragedy that should never have happened” and vowed to do more to help people. experiencing mental health crises.
“My heart goes out to Jordan’s family, who are experiencing great pain and uncertainty about the circumstances of his passing,” said Adams, a former police officer who was criticized for his weak initial response to Neely’s death.
Neely died on May 1 when a Marine Corps veteran Daniel Penny applied a choking hold on her aboard a subway train in Manhattan.
Neely, 30, used to impersonate Michael Jackson and was well known among city aid workers who try to help homeless people suffering from mental health problems.
An independent journalist who recorded video of the last minutes of Neely’s life said Neely had been yelling at other passengers but had not attacked anyone when Penny knocked him down and pinned him down. The video shows two other passengers helping him subdue Neely.
Neely lost consciousness during the struggle and was pronounced dead at a hospital.
The coroner’s service ruled that Neely died in a homicide caused by neck compression, but said the question of criminal liability would be left to the legal system. Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg has promised a thorough investigation.
Penny, 24, said last week through his lawyers that he was only protecting himself after Neely threatened him and other passengers.
“Daniel never intended to hurt Mr. Neely and could not have conceived his untimely death,” said his attorneys, Thomas Kenniff and Steven Raiser.
Since Neely’s death there have been protests by people demanding that Penny be arrested.
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2023-05-10 20:22:24
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