As Outrage grows, N.Y.C Subway Chokehold Death of Jordan Neely Ruled Homicide by Medical Examiner
New York City police and prosecutors are investigating the death of subway busker Jordan Neely after another passenger restrained the man and held him in a chokehold. According to The New York Times, the 30-year-old’s death was ruled a homicide by the city’s medical examiner on Wednesday.
On Monday afternoon, Neely was riding a northbound F train in Manhattan when he began harassing passengers. Juan Alberto Vazquez, a passenger who filmed the encounter told the New York Post, "He starts to make a speech. He started screaming in an aggressive manner. He said he had no food, he had no drink, that he was tired, and doesn't care if he goes to jail. He started screaming all these things, took off his jacket, a black jacket that he had, and threw it on the ground."
The New York Times reports, A 24-year-old former Marine – who has not been named publicly – then stepped in to subdue Neely, placing his arms around his neck until he went limp. The nearly four-minute-long video filmed by Vazquez shows the two men struggling and other passengers stepping in to hold Neely down.
Jordan Neely, a Michael Jackson impersonator who had a history of mental illness was transported to Lenox Hill Hospital where he was pronounced dead. The man who put Neely in the chokehold was taken into custody but was reportedly released.
Now, protestors have taken to the streets demanding justice as New York City Leaders look for answers as to how the subway incident resulted in Neely’s death. Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine said, "He always made people smile. Our broken mental health system failed him. He deserved help, not to die in a chokehold on the floor of the subway."According to ABC 7, activists are set to protest outside the D.A.’s office today.
Doug Cohen, press secretary for the Manhattan District Attorney's Office told People, "This investigation is being handled by senior, experienced prosecutors and we will provide an update when there is additional public information to share.” He encouraged those who witnessed the event or has any information to call 212-335-9040.
