In closing arguments for the Daniel Penny manslaughter trial, the prosecution emphasized Penny's alleged disregard for Jordan Neely's life, highlighting Penny's description of Neely as a "crackhead" and his comments about people "pushing others in front of trains." Prosecutor Dafna Yoran questioned how a reasonable person could speak so dismissively about someone they had just killed, replaying Penny's police interrogation video for the jury. The defense countered this narrative by asserting that Penny, an architecture student, acted out of necessity when Neely, a homeless man with a history of mental illness and drug abuse, made threats on a subway car. Defense attorney Steven Raiser argued that Penny applied his Marine Corps training in a less aggressive manner than he could have, intending only to restrain Neely, not harm him. Raiser blamed the city's "broken system" for failing both men, pointing out the delayed police and medical response times. He also highlighted expert testimony suggesting that Neely's death resulted from a combination of drug use, a genetic disorder, and the struggle, rather than solely the chokehold. Raiser recounted witness testimonies describing Neely's erratic behavior and threats, emphasizing the passengers' fear and Penny's unique position to help due to his training. He also pointed to the defense expert's opinion that contradicted the official autopsy, which attributed the death solely to the chokehold. The defense replayed bodycam footage showing officers saying Neely was still breathing. Yoran, in the prosecution's closing, acknowledged Neely's threatening behavior but maintained that excessive force was used. She argued that Penny could have released Neely when bystanders urged him to and questioned his lack of concern for Neely's condition after the altercation. The jury will continue deliberations, with the judge requesting they return Wednesday if needed.
