Justice for Jordan Neely ?

By Staff

NEW YORK, NY - Jordan Neely's tragic death after being placed in a chokehold by former Marine Daniel Penny on a New York City subway has sparked a contentious debate about homelessness, mental illness, and the city's response to these issues. As the trial for Penny begins, those who knew Neely remember him as a joyous child who loved to dance and sing, and as a teen who struggled deeply after the violent murder of his mother.

Neely's life took a downward turn after his mother's death, leading him to find solace in performing as a Michael Jackson impersonator on the NYC subways. Despite his talents and the joy he brought to commuters, Neely faced significant challenges, including homelessness and mental illness. By the age of 30, he was homeless and experiencing a mental health crisis when he was killed by Penny, who has been charged with second-degree manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide.

Neely's death has led to citywide protests and demands for answers about the city's resources and response to his needs. Reports indicate that Neely had numerous interactions with police and homeless services, yet he remained on a list of high-need individuals at the time of his death. His case highlights the systemic failures in addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

Neely's story is a poignant reminder of the human lives behind the statistics of homelessness and mental illness. His great aunt, Mildred Mahazu, and friend, Moses Harper, reflect on his life and the systemic issues that contributed to his tragic end. They call for systemic reforms to fix the criminal justice and health care systems, emphasizing that Neely's death was a preventable tragedy.