Legal defense for former Marine Daniel Penny raises over $500,000 on Christian fundraising website, Jordan Neely's attorneys demand murder charge

Daniel Penny, the former Marine who was involved in the chokehold death of Jordan Neely, turned himself in to authorities on Friday morning.

After the former Marine surrendered, Penny's attorney, Thomas Keniff, told reporters that his client surrendered "voluntarily and with the sort of dignity and integrity that is characteristic of his history of service to this grateful nation."

Keniff said Penny "has his head held up high."

With exorbitant attorney fees looming, a crowdfunding campaign raised more than half-million dollars for Penny's legal defense. At the time of publication, a campaign on the Christian fundraising website GiveSendGo has garnered more than $575,000 for Penny's legal defense.

The description for Penny's crowdfunding campaign reads:

Daniel Penny is, a twenty-four-year-old college student and decorated Marine veteran, facing a criminal investigation stemming from him protecting individuals on a NYC subway train from an assailant who later died. Funds are being raised to pay Mr. Penny’s legal fees incurred from any criminal charges filed and any future civil lawsuits that may arise, as well as expenses related to his defense. All contributions are greatly appreciated. Any proceeds collected which exceed those necessary to cover Mr. Penny’s legal defense will be donated to a mental health advocacy program in New York City.

The GiveSendGo fundraising campaign was launched by the law firm Raiser & Kenniff, P.C. — which is representing Penny in the case.

Penny was seen on video putting Neely in a chokehold while onboard the F subway train on May 1. Neely had been acting erratically and aggressively towards other subway passengers, according to witnesses. After subduing Neely, video shows Penny placing Neely in a "recovery position."

Neely died the same day. The New York City Office of Chief Medical Examiner ruled Neely's death a homicide.

Penny was charged with second-degree manslaughter.

However, attorneys for Neely's family are calling for Penny to be charged with murder.

"Justice looks like a conviction for murder," said Lennon Edwards, Esq., an attorney with Milles & Edwards.

"The consequences of manslaughter two is five to 15 years," Edwards said on Friday. "Ask yourself, is that enough? Murder two, up to 25 to life. So we need a full cup of justice here."

The 30-year-old Michael Jackson impersonator reportedly suffered from mental illness and was homeless.

Neely was reportedly arrested 42 times between 2013 and 2021, including for four alleged assaults. At the time of his death, Neely had an active warrant for felony assault in connection with an attack on a 67-year-old woman in 2021.

Daniel Penny's attorney speaks outwww.youtube.com

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