Daniel Penny, the man seen on video putting Jordan Neely in a deadly chokehold, is now in police custody after turning himself in to the NYPD to face charges on Friday morning.
Penny arrived at the 5th Precinct at 8 a.m. on the dot inside of a dark-tinted Escalade. Penny appeared in a suit and remained solemn as he swiftly entered the station house. The surrender came less than 24 hours after the Manhattan District Attorney’s office announced that it would be charging the 24-year-old former Marine with second-degree Manslaughter after two and a half weeks of public outcry and bloody protests over the killing.
Penny’s lawyer spoke to reporters outside of the precinct with remarks focusing on his client’s military service.
“He is dealing with the situation with the sort of integrity and honor that is characteristic of who he is, a characteristic of his honorable service in the United States Marine Corps,” attorney Thomas Kenniff said. “The case will now go to court. We expect an arraignment will occur this afternoon and the process will unfold from there.”
Penny is expected to spend several hours inside of the station where he will then be moved to arraignment. The news that the Manhattan District Attorney planned on prosecuting Penny broke on Thursday evening, with some rejoicing that justice is being served and others feeling that the marine should not be found liable.
“We can confirm that Daniel Penny will be arrested on a charge of manslaughter in the second degree,” said Douglas Cohen, a spokesperson for the Manhattan DA in a statement last night. “We cannot provide any additional information until he has been arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court.”
Attorneys for the Neely family are also expected to speak on Friday morning.
Mayor Eric Adams said Friday that he has confidence in Bragg’s investigation.
“I appreciate DA Bragg conducting a thorough investigation into the death of Jordan Neely. I have the utmost faith in the judicial process, and now justice can move forward against Daniel Penny,” Adams said in a statement.
This is a developing story, check back with amNY later for updates.
Additional reporting by Ethan Stark-Miller.
