马丁诉尼利案

On May 1, 2023, Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless former Michael Jackson impersonator, entered a New York City F train and began shouting and begging aggressively. Daniel Penny, a 25-year-old U.S. Marine veteran, placed Neely in a chokehold that lasted approximately six minutes. Neely lost consciousness and was later pronounced dead. Penny was charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide. The trial began in October 2024, with prosecutors arguing Penny "went way too far" while defense claimed he acted to protect himself and other passengers. On October 17, 2024, the case proceeded with ongoing trial proceedings.

On December 9, 2024, a Manhattan jury acquitted Daniel Penny of criminally negligent homicide. The more serious second-degree manslaughter charge had been dismissed earlier after the jury deadlocked on that count. Penny faced up to 15 years in prison if convicted of manslaughter.

Whether Penny's use of a chokehold constituted justifiable self-defense or excessive force; whether the chokehold directly caused Neely's death or if contributing factors (synthetic marijuana use, schizophrenia, sickle cell trait) were responsible; and whether race played a role in the incident.

The case polarized New York City and the nation, becoming a flashpoint in debates over racial justice, mental health, homelessness, and public safety. Some hailed Penny as a hero who protected subway riders, while others accused him of racist vigilantism. The case also highlighted systemic failures in addressing mental illness and homelessness, and reignited discussions about the appropriate use of force by civilians in public spaces.