Video evidence shows Penny putting Jordan Neely in a chokehold on May 1st following violent threats from Neely on a subway train. A New York City police spokesperson told Newsweek that Neely’s record has 42 prior arrests, dating between 2013 and 2021. They include four for assault and had active warrants in connection with a different incident.
The 24-year-old Penny served in the Marine Corps from 2017 to 2021, assigned as a rifleman to Camp Lejeune, per his public records. The Washington Post reports that he deployed to the Mediterranean with the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit and left the service with the rank of sergeant. He is currently a college student, per his attorneys.
Attorneys for Neely’s family said Neely, 30, began experiencing mental health problems at age 14 when his mother was brutally murdered by her boyfriend. Neely was best known for his Michael Jackson subway impersonations and his criminal activity. ely was known to subway riders for his Michael Jackson impersonations and criminal activities.