Silicon Valley venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) has hired Daniel Penny, the former Marine who made national headlines following the killing of Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless Black man, on a New York subway. The news was first reported by The Free Press.
Penny was acquitted of criminally negligent homicide in December 2023. Although he has no prior investment experience, Andreessen Horowitz plans to train him for his new role.
Jordan Neely’s Death
Jordan Neely was known for being a Michael Jackson impersonator who performed in Times Square. During his teens, Neely struggled with his mental health after losing his best friend, who was violently murdered. Eventually, Neely became homeless.
On May 1, 2023, Neely went onto Penny’s subway car and started “threatening” passengers, according to witnesses. Penny stepped in and put Neely in a lethal chokehold. The case ignited protests and sparked discourse around mental illness, race, and public safety.
Daniel Perry’s Trial
Penny was charged with criminally negligent homicide and second-degree manslaughter, with a possibility of potentially facing 20 years in prison. Prosecutors said Penny placed Neely in a chokehold for six minutes, compressing his neck even after he stopped moving.
However, Penny’s legal team argued that he only stepped in after Mr Neely threatened passengers. The judge agreed to dismiss the second-degree manslaughter charge against Penny in the death of Neely at the request of prosecutors after jurors said they were deadlocked.
So, the jurors considered the second lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide. The jurors deliberated for five days before deciding that Daniel Penny was not guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. After a months-long trial, a New York jury eventually acquitted Penny in December.
Daniel Penny joins Andreessen Horowitz
Following his acquittal, Penny has joined Andreessen Horowitz as a deal partner. Penny will work for the firm’s American Dynamism practice in New York and help strengthen a16z’s relationships with the Department of Defense and public safety sector.
The firm, founded in 2009, manages around $45 billion in assets and has positioned itself as a supporter of companies aligned with American interests. Co-founder Marc Andreessen, who has expressed support for former President Donald Trump has openly supported President Donald Trump and even served as an adviser to the new administration.
Andreessen Horowitz partner David Ulevitch said, “Daniel is a Marine Corps veteran who served his country and, in a frightening moment in a crowded New York City subway car, did a courageous thing.” He added, ” We are very excited to work with Daniel, who joins our American Dynamism team. ”
Vice President JD Vance said on X that Penny’s joining Andreesen Horowitz was “incredible news.”
Image: NY Daily News Archive/ Getty Images
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