Jordan Neely’s family copes with his loss to mental illness as they attend the manslaughter trial of Daniel Penny daily.
Christopher Neely spent countless hours driving around Manhattan in search of his nephew, Jordan Neely, who was homeless and struggling with mental illness. Jordan, a former Michael Jackson impersonator, was often seen at bus stops and subway stations. Christopher desperately wanted to offer his nephew food, shelter, and support, but Jordan was resistant to accepting help.
After weeks of searching, Christopher finally encountered Jordan on the subway, only to have him run away in the opposite direction. Despite having a place to stay, Jordan refused to come home, leaving his family feeling helpless and heartbroken.
Tragically, Jordan Neely’s story took a fatal turn when he encountered Daniel Penny, a former Marine, on the F train. Penny ended up choking Jordan to death, leading to a manslaughter trial that has left Jordan’s family and supporters reeling. The trial has forced them to relive the horrifying moment of Jordan’s death repeatedly as the details are scrutinized in court.
Christopher Neely and Andre Zachery, Jordan’s father, have been deeply affected by the trial, with Mr. Zachery often choosing to leave the courtroom rather than witness his son’s final moments on video. Their ordeal is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by countless families in New York City who struggle to support loved ones dealing with homelessness and mental health issues.
Source: The NY Times
