Daniel Penny’s mom, Marine colleagues testify in Jordan Neely chokehold trial

NEW YORK – Daniel Penny's defense team called numerous character witnesses to the stand Tuesday, including two Marine sergeants who served with him, his mother, sister and other friends, all of whom will face charges of manslaughter and murder. They praised his character and integrity in fighting crime. Criminally negligent homicide in the subway strangulation death of Jordan Neely.

Penny, 26, could be sentenced to up to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top charge of manslaughter. He is also charged with minor negligent homicide in the death of Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man with a history of mental health issues, drug abuse and criminal activity on the subway.

Nolan Dryley, Penny's former platoon sergeant, medically separated from the Marine Corps and now an Alabama farmer, said Penny received the Humanitarian Service Medal for her work during the 2018 Hurricane Florence response. It was announced that he had received the award.

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Nathaniel Dunchy, an active-duty gunnery sergeant who traveled to New York from Texas to testify, said “discrimination is not tolerated in the Marine Corps” and that Penny “absolutely” demonstrated honesty and integrity. said.

Penny had a reputation as a calm and peaceful person and was discharged from hospital with honor.

During cross-examination, prosecutors questioned both men about their social media posts.

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Another friend, airline pilot Stephen Strachan, said he moved to New York from California and had no friends until he met Penny. Penny said she taught him the ropes of living on the South Shore of Long Island and boating to and from the fires in the Great South Bay. island. He said Penny has a reputation for being honest and empathetic.

Daniel Penny (right) arrives at Manhattan Supreme Court on Monday, November 18, 2024 in New York City. Penny, a retired Marine, is charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the 2023 death of Jordan Neely in a new vehicle. York City subway train. (Adam Gray, Fox News Digital)

“I was so grateful that Danny extended his arms and welcomed me as a friend into the entire community,” he said.

The defendant's mother, Gina Frame Penny, also testified Tuesday.

After his honorable discharge, he returned to New York to study architecture at the New York City Polytechnic Institute in Brooklyn, working nights at a restaurant in the same borough and teaching swimming lessons at a gym in Manhattan's East Village, she said. Ta.

The witnesses followed the defense team's first two character witnesses who testified Monday, including Penny's sister, Jackie.

Neely barges onto the train, throws his jacket on the ground, begins shouting death threats, and tells the strappers that he doesn't care if he gets life in prison.

Jordan Neely is pictured outside the Regal Cinemas on 8th Avenue and 42nd Street in Times Square, New York City in 2009, before going to see the Michael Jackson movie “This Is It.” (Andrew Sabrich/New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

During the attack, Penny strangled the man and wrestled him to the ground as witnesses called 911. Another rider assisted Penny in restraining the man until police arrived.

When they let go, Mr. Neely still had a pulse, but Dr. Cynthia Harris, the forensic pathologist who performed his autopsy, said that even if he died of asphyxiation, his heart would continue to beat for some time. He testified that this was normal.

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She said an autopsy determined Neely's death was due to asphyxiation due to strangulation.

Penny's team maintains that Neely's death was a legitimate defense. Prosecutors argue that while it was not intentional, it was criminally reckless or negligent.