Jordan Neely's uncle has called for no plea deal for Daniel Penny after he was charged with manslaughter following the fatal subway incident.
As previously reported, the 24-year-old ex-marine was charged with second-degree manslaughter and subsequently released on bail after placing the fellow subway rider, 30, in a chokehold on the F train, resulting in his death.
Law enforcement said that witnesses recalled Neely allegedly shouting at passengers, telling them he was hungry, thirsty, and "ready to die". However, he did not physically attack anyone.
In footage of the chokehold, Penny is seen on the floor with his arms around Neely's neck for several minutes while two other passengers help pin the man down.
Neely's death was ruled a homicide two days later by the medical examiner’s office, who said that the cause of death was compression of his neck.
After the horrific incident, Penny's lawyers released a statement about the death and noted that Penny had "never intended to harm," Neely - who was a homeless Michael Jackson impersonator - and pointed out that he suffered from mental health issues.
In addition to this, Penny spoke with The New York Post over the weekend and said that the fatal ordeal was not motivated by racism, adding: "This had nothing to do with race. I judge a person based on their character.
"I’m not a white supremacist. I mean, it’s, it’s a little bit comical. Everybody who’s ever met me can tell you, I love all people, I love all cultures. You can tell by my past and all my travels and adventures around the world. I was actually planning a road trip through Africa before this happened," he continued.
"I’m deeply saddened by the loss of life," he said. "It’s tragic what happened to him. Hopefully, we can change the system that’s so desperately failed us."
When he was asked whether he would take action again if he were in a situation like the one that occurred on May 1, Penny nodded and said: "You know, I live an authentic and genuine life. And I would - if there was a threat and danger in the present…"
Furthermore, the outlet questioned him on whether he feels he's done anything to be ashamed of, and he responded: "I don’t, I mean, I always do what I think is right."
Following Penny's first public comments since the encounter, the homeless man's uncle, Christoper Neely, told the same publication that the veteran needs to be "prosecuted or he will do it again," adding: "It’s a smack in the face for Jordan’s family and the people of New York."
Christopher also stated that Penny shouldn’t be offered a plea deal by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office and instead wants it to go to trial. "He has too much confidence in himself and has to be taught what he did was wrong," he remarked.
During his previous interview with the outlet, Penny said that he was "deeply saddened by the loss" of Neely death's and expressed that he hopes "we can change the system that’s so desperately failed us".
However, these comments angered Christopher who fired back that the ex-marine refused to apologize for the incident and admitted that he’d do it all over.
"He thinks what he did was a good deed - that is monstrous," Neely's uncle continued. "How can you say 'everything I did was right' when he killed an unarmed man that weighed 100 pounds, if that?"
Neely's death has sparked protests across the city, especially on subway platforms. Many people are demanding justice for Neely and pointing out the system's failures in supporting people in need.
Meanwhile, Penny has amassed his own supporters, with many calling him a "hero" and raising a staggering $2.7 million to cover his legal costs.
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