Monday, December 9, 2024

Why I'm Not Surprised Daniel Penny Was Acquitted of Killing Jordan Neely


I am saddened but unsurprised a New York jury acquitted Daniel Penny of choking Jordan Neely to death on the F train in May 2023.

Many among us hate homeless people. I've known a few people in my life who have expressed the desire that homeless people should be executed for being homeless. Mind you, some of these same people do not think the death penalty is warranted for serial killers. But for them homelessness is an irredeemable capital offense. 

I cannot say whether any of those 12 jurors are necessarily glad that Daniel Penny killed Jordan Neely, but I do suspect those people probably had a bias against homeless people strong enough that they did not view of Neely as a human being worthy of life. 

While Neely was in an agitated state uttering threat, he did not physically attack anyone. Nothing Neely did justified Penny's actions. Now that Penny has been acquitted, it sends the message that homeless people can be killed without fear of consequence. 

The New York Post is celebrating Penny's acquittal while accusing Manhattan DA Alvin Bragg of politicizing the case. Last I checked, Ron DeSantis referred to Penny as a "Good Samaritan" while Nikki Haley said Penny should have received a pardon. Who exactly is doing the politicizing here? 

Let me put it another way. Would anyone be surprised if Penny gets an audience with President-elect Trump?

Neely's family is pursuing a civil suit and may get a measure of justice which alluded them in criminal court. Even if they get recompense Jordan Neely is still dead while Daniel Penny gets away with murder.

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