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Key witnesses in Daniel Penny, Jordan Neely case refuse to cooperate with DA Bragg's office: report

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Key witnesses in Daniel Penny, Jordan Neely case refuse to cooperate with DA Bragg's office: report

Two European eyewitnesses to the altercation that left Jordan Neely dead and New York City Marine infantry veteran Daniel Penny facing manslaughter charges have gone home and refused to cooperate with prosecutors from Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg’s office, according to a local report.

Penny, 25, is scheduled to go to trial next month after he appeared on cellphone video placing Neely, 30, in a chokehold as other passengers helped restrain him in May 2023. 

The homeless Neely was threatening subway riders and behaving erratically and had a history of mental illness and violence, including the 2021 assault of a 67-year-old woman. He lost consciousness and later died.

The foreign witnesses have spoken with investigators on conference calls but have declined to cooperate or turn over video of the incident, the New York Post reported, citing transcripts from a closed-door meeting with the judge and attorneys for both sides.

US MARINE VET DANIEL PENNY PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO MANSLAUGHTER IN CHOKEHOLD DEATH OF JORDAN NEELY

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Daniel Penny departs Manhattan Criminal Court Jan. 17, 2024. Penny is charged in the New York City subway death of Jordan Neely in 2023. (John M. Mantel for Fox News Digital)

Penny’s lawyers declined to discuss the proceedings Thursday but were quoted in the transcript saying the European couple’s testimony would be “incredibly favorable to the defense.”

Representatives for Bragg’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

“They have so far refused to share the video that they took,” the judge told the lawyers. “They refused to share it with the DA or with anyone else, and they are so far refusing to come back to testify.”

DANIEL PENNY: MARINE VET ACCUSED OF FATAL SUBWAY CHOKEHOLD REVEALS WHY HE STEPPED IN

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A screenshot from a bystander’s video showing Jordan Neely being held in a chokehold on the New York City subway. (Luces de Nueva York/Juan Alberto Vazquez via Storyful)

It was unclear Thursday what the European couple’s video might show.

Prosecutors said in June 2023 that they had already obtained five eyewitness videos of the encounter and surveillance video they planned to introduce as evidence.

“Unfortunately for Penny’s defense team, there is little they can do to compel a foreign national to turn over evidence or testify in court,” said Neama Rahmani, a former federal prosecutor based in Los Angeles. “There are international treaties like the Hague Convention that allow for international service, but, practically speaking, no judge can force the European witnesses to comply with an American subpoena.”

Still, he said, self-defense cases are often difficult to prosecute and result in many not guilty verdicts.

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“Penny’s lawyers will have to rely on witnesses who have actually provided evidence to law enforcement and prosecutors and who live in the state and can be compelled to testify by the judge even if they don’t want to,” he added.

WITNESS TO JORDAN NEELY CHOKEHOLD DEATH CALLS DANIEL PENNY A ‘HERO’

This undated photo, provided by Mills and Edwards, LLP, in New York, May 12, 2023, shows Jordan Neely, left, with Carolyn Neely, an aunt. (Courtesy Mills & Edwards, LLP via AP)

Critics of Bragg’s decision to prosecute Penny have called the move political and believe that the veteran acted in self-defense and to protect other passengers.

“If [Neely] had carried out his threats, he would have killed somebody,” Penny told Fox News Digital in June 2023.

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Another witness expressed similar concerns.

“I don’t care if I have to kill an F, I will,” Neely had allegedly ranted. “I’ll go to jail, I’ll take a bullet.”

Penny, who spoke with police voluntarily 11 days before Bragg’s office brought charges, faces up to 19 years in prison if convicted. His next court hearing is scheduled for Oct. 3.

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Maine

I asked 4 Maine lure makers for their best catches. Here’s what caught them.

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I asked 4 Maine lure makers for their best catches. Here’s what caught them.


Outdoors
The BDN outdoors section brings readers into the woods, waters and wild places of Maine. It features stories on hunting, fishing, wildlife, conservation and recreation, told by people who live these experiences. This section emphasizes hands-on knowledge, field reports, issues, trends and the traditions that define life outside in Maine. Read more Outdoors stories here. 

The weeks after ice-out are prime time for trout and salmon fishing in Maine.

While many anglers rely on live smelts, tandem streamer flies or classic lures like DB Smelts and Mooselook Wobblers, several Maine companies are producing lures that catch plenty of fish of their own.

I reached out to four Maine lure makers and asked them to send me their best catches from the last month, along with the lure that caught them.

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Here’s what they sent.

Pine State Sports Supply

Owned by Justin Blouin and based in Lisbon, Pine State Sports Supply was founded in 2023. The company offers several styles of spoons and plugs designed to imitate smelt, dace, shiners, alewives and other baitfish. All trolling spoons are made by hand.

The Harry Lure 

The Harry Lure is owned by Adam Bergeron. Founded by Harry Ellison, the lure was developed on New Hampshire’s Lake Winnipesaukee. Bergeron moved the company to Kennebunk and began stamping lures there in March 2024. Unlike traditional concave spoons, the flat lure is designed to swing side to side and flash light as it moves through the water.

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Northeast Troller

Founded by Christian Carlson in 2016, Northeast Troller produces custom trolling and casting spoons from its shop in Thorndike. Carlson, who is also a taxidermist, began making spoons as a passion project and thank-you gift for his clients. The spoons are CAD-designed, painted and assembled in Thorndike, and tested on the water before production.

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Dream Catcher Lures 

Dream Catcher Lures are made by Jesse Dicker in Lincoln. Established in 2020, the company produces a variety of lures for salmon, lake trout and other species.

Its lineup includes a smelt series, trout casting and trolling spoons, dodgers, jerkbaits, bass poppers, jigs and worm-bait rigs.

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Earlier this spring, Registered Maine Guides Jake Rackliff and Adam Bergeron landed a 10-pound rainbow trout on a Dream Catcher Lures Solid Pink UV.



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Massachusetts

Massachusetts gas prices drop 10 cents per gallon

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Massachusetts gas prices drop 10 cents per gallon


CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – The average gas price in Massachusetts has fallen by 10 cents from last week, now averaging $4.29 per gallon.

This decline occurs despite ongoing disruptions in global oil markets and overseas conflict.

According to AAA Northeast, the average gas price in Massachusetts is 17 cents lower than one month ago. However, prices remain $1.30 higher than the same day last year and 13 cents above the national average.

Petroleum markets remain unsettled as negotiations to end the war in Iran continue. The conflict in Iran has entered its 15th week, contributing to market instability. U.S. crude inventories are currently at their lowest levels since mid-February.

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