Attorneys for Jordan Neely’s family responded to Daniel Penny’s statement Monday, saying Penny had no regard for Neely’s life.
“Daniel Penny’s press release is not an apology nor an expression of regret. It is a character assassination and a clear example of why he believed he was entitled to take Jordan’s life. In the first paragraph, he talks about how ‘good’ he is and the next paragraph he talks about how ‘bad’ Jordan was in an effort to convince us Jordan’s life was ‘worthless.’ The truth is, he knew nothing about Jordan’s history when he intentionally wrapped his arms around Jordan’s neck, and squeezed and kept squeezing. In the last paragraph, Daniel Penny suggests that the general public has shown ‘indifference’ for people like Jordan, but that term is more appropriately used to describe himself. It is clear he is the one who acted with indifference, both at the time he killed Jordan and now in his first public message. He never attempted to help him at all. In short, his actions on the train, and now his words, show why he needs to be in prison,” attorneys Donte Mills and Lennon Edwards said.
RELATED:NYC Subway Passenger Who Fatally Choked Jordan Neely Releases Statement
As we previously reported, Daniel Penny’s attorney released a statement days after Jordan Newley’s death sparked outrage across social media after the 30-year-old was held in a chokehold for 15 minutes. “Earlier this week, Daniel Penny,24, was involved in a tragic incident on the NYC Subway, which ended in the death of Jordan Neely. We would first like to express, on behalf of Daniel Penny, our condolences to those close to Mr. Neely,” the statement read.
“Mr. Neely had a documented history of violent and erratic behavior, the apparent result of ongoing and untreated mental illness. When Mr. Neely began aggressively threatening Daniel Penny and the other passengers, Daniel, with the help of others, acted to protect themselves, until help arrived. Daniel never intended to harm Mr.Neely and could not have foreseen his untimely death. For too long, those suffering from mental illness have been treated with indifference.”
The statement concludes: “We hope that out of this awful tragedy will come a new commitment by our elected officials to address the mental health crisis on our streets and subways.”
There were multiple arrests that day but the six sought in the incident remained at large, as of Monday, police said. The suspects allegedly hopped onto the subway tracks of the Q train at Lexington Avenue and East 63rd Street, according to officials. Train operators reported seeing people on the tracks ahead of a Q train entering the station. About 450 passengers were aboard the train.
Authorities were able to clear the tracks after about 20 minutes and power was restored to the station, allowing trains to proceed.
“Jumping on tracks is dangerous, reckless, and can be life-threatening,” NYC Transit President Richard Davey said in a statement. “While peaceful protest has always been part of the American fabric, endangering transit workers and other responders, while also delaying New Yorkers just trying to get where they need to go, by deliberately risking contact with an electrified third rail, is unacceptable.”