Jury selection began Monday for Marine Corps veteran Daniel Penny, charged with manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide in the death of 30-year-old Jordan Neely, who died after being placed in a chokehold on a subway.

Neely, known for erratic behavior and a history of mental illness, reportedly threatened passengers before the incident.

Penny’s defense claims he acted to protect commuters and that the evidence supports his justification.

In contrast, attorneys for Neely’s family argue that Penny’s response was unjustifiable and resulted in Neely’s death, Fox News has reported.

Supporters of Neely gathered outside the courthouse, calling attention to the case and its implications.

Written by B.C. Begley