Mr. Penny was arrested and arraigned on May 12, but the law required that the district attorney, Alvin L. Bragg, persuade a grand jury that there was reasonable cause to believe Mr. Penny had committed a crime before proceeding with the case.
The grand jury process heavily favors prosecutors and, for many defendants, a vote to indict is expected.
Mr. Penny had been expected to testify before the grand jury, but it is unclear whether he did so.
Mr. Penny said that he had not meant to kill Mr. Neely and was instead trying to restrain him.
Prosecutors would have to prove to a jury that Mr. Penny caused Mr. Neely’s death and used the chokehold knowing that it could kill.
Persons:
Penny, Alvin L, Bragg, Penny’s, Neely, Neely’s, Mr, Black —
Organizations:
Prosecutors
Locations:
New York