Jury deliberations continue in the New York subway chokehold case

A Manhattan jury will continue deliberations Friday in the case of Daniel Penny, who is accused of choking a man on an uptown F train last year.

The jury began deliberating Tuesday afternoon. On Thursday, they asked to watch the cell phone video recorded in the subway car again. They also asked to hear the legal definitions of recklessness and negligence, both of which are factors in the crimes Penny is accused of.

They will resume deliberations on Friday at 9:45 a.m.

According to witnesses, Penny was charged with manslaughter and involuntary manslaughter in connection with the death of Jordan Neely, a former Michael Jackson impersonator with schizophrenia who began shouting threats after boarding at the Second Avenue station. Penny held Neely in a chokehold on the subway floor for about six minutes, according to evidence presented in court. Neely was pronounced dead shortly afterwards.

The trial, which began in late October, focused on whether Penny caused Neely’s death by keeping him in a chokehold for so long – and whether his actions were justified.

Prosecutors argued that Penny “went way too far” and held Neely’s neck longer than necessary, killing him. Penny’s lawyers said Penny was trying to protect himself and his fellow passengers and argued that his actions may not have directly led to Neely’s death.