Jury selection has begun in the criminal trial of the U.S. Marine Corps veteran who placed a man in a deadly chokehold aboard a New York City subway train last year.

The Manhattan DA’s office declined to comment on their legal strategy for trial. One of Penny’s attorneys, Steve Raiser, said in a text message that their case will focus on the government’s failure to address mental health and homelessness on the subway.

Witnesses said Mr Neely was shouting about being hungry and willing to return to jail or die, but there was no indication he physically attacked anyone. Emergency responders could