To Penny could release her grip on her neck, but Penny refused to release her grip even after Neely’s body became lifeless.
“He used far too much force for far too long,” remarked Yoran. Nicole Brenecki, a Brooklyn-based trial expert who has followed the case, said it’s “peculiar” that the jury reached.
A unanimous verdict of not guilty on the second charge so quickly given that they were deadlocked after four days of deliberation, including.
After the judge instructed them to continue deliberating. Brenecki, who was not engaged in the case, told USA TODAY, “I was really surprised that they came back so quickly.”
According to Brenecki, it’s probable that several jurors had a change of heart over the weekend about the case.
If the jury was already leaning toward a guilty finding on the second charge after the more severe charge was dropped, it probably would have been simpler to do so, she said.
Jordan Neely’s death is still a great tragedy, Brenecki said, “Maybe the jury just decided to jump off the train and acquit.”
According to Brenecki, the jury was presented with a “melting pot” of issues that society is facing throughout the trial, including the homelessness crisis, drug abuse, mental illness, and public safety.
“This should have been avoided, and he should have received assistance,” she said. “This undoubtedly sparked a conversation and a debate.”
