During a trial involving Marine veteran Daniel Penny and homeless man Jordan Neely in a deadly subway encounter, witness Ivette Rosario, a 19-year-old high school senior from the Bronx, testified that she was scared by Neely’s erratic behavior on the subway. Neely had boarded the train and kept the doors from closing, causing a delay, before ripping off his sweater and shouting loudly. Rosario described feeling nervous and scared by Neely’s tone and behavior, especially when he warned that someone would die that day. She eventually witnessed a struggle between Penny and Neely on the subway floor, which she recorded on her phone and called 911 to report.
Another witness, Spanish-language journalist Juan Alberto Vazquez, also testified about the encounter, describing Neely as sounding violent and desperate as he complained about being hungry and thirsty. Vazquez noted that Neely’s behavior was erratic and frightening, prompting him to ask fellow passengers to call 911. He mentioned being afraid that Neely might have a weapon, although he did not see one. Vazquez also testified that a second man in a black hat assisted Penny in holding Neely down until police arrived. Penny, a 25-year-old Marine Corps veteran and college student, could potentially face up to 19 years in prison if convicted for his role in the incident.
Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man and former Michael Jackson impersonator, had a history of mental illness and criminality, including a prior charge for assaulting a New York City woman in 2021. His behavior on the subway that day was described as aggressive and threatening by witnesses, leading to a confrontation with Penny that turned deadly. The incident has sparked debate and controversy, with accusations of white supremacy and vigilante behavior leveled against Penny by protesters. The trial has garnered attention due to the tragic outcome and the complex circumstances surrounding the case.
The testimony of witnesses like Rosario and Vazquez sheds light on the events leading up to the deadly encounter between Penny and Neely on the subway. Their accounts provide insight into the fear and tension present during the incident, as well as the efforts made by bystanders to intervene and seek help. The involvement of a Marine veteran and a homeless man with a history of mental illness adds layers of complexity to the case, raising questions about the handling of such situations and the responsibilities of individuals in crisis. The outcome of the trial will determine the fate of Penny and the impact on all those involved in the tragic event.
