Ex-marine Daniel Penny, who is charged with killing homeless man Jordan Neely on the subway last month, said he wasn’t “trying to choke him to death” when he jumped into action after Neely was threatening passengers.
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Jordan Neely, who had been struggling with mental illness, drug use and homelessness in recent years, died after being put in a chokehold by Penny, who restrained him on a train with the help of other riders. The May 1 incident was captured on video.
In the pre-recorded video, Penny claimed 30-year-old Neely posed a threat to his fellow passengers.
"I had to act and I acted in a way that would protect the other passengers, protect myself and protect Mr. Neely," Penny said.
Penny is expected to appear in court July 17.
NY1 reached out and asked to interview Penny, but his attorneys denied the request. NY1 also reached out to the Neely family for comment, but has not received a response as of Monday afternoon.