Today, Explained

The killing of Jordan Neely

May 8, 2023

Samantha Max and Matt Katz, public safety reporters from WNYC, delve into the tragic killing of Jordan Neely, a well-known homeless performer. They explore the complexities of mental illness versus public safety, highlighting the chaotic subway incident that led to Neely's death. The discussion expands to societal implications, protests for justice, and the systemic failures faced by homeless individuals. They also critique New York's plans to address mental health crises, questioning the effectiveness of current outreach and policing strategies.

26:15

Episode guests

Matt Katz

Samantha Max

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Intro

3min

Tragedy on the Train: The Jordan Neely Incident

9min

Navigating Mental Health Crises in New York's Subways

3min

Justice and Vigilantism in New York

8min

Examining Public Safety and Homelessness in the Subway System

2min

A subway rider choked to death Jordan Neely, a 30-year-old homeless man known to New Yorkers for his impersonations of Michael Jackson. WNYC reporters Matt Katz and Samantha Max explain the complexity of the incident.

This episode was produced by Avishay Artsy, edited by Matt Collette, fact-checked by Laura Bullard with help from Miles Bryan, engineered by Paul Robert Mounsey, and hosted by Noel King.

Transcript at vox.com/todayexplained

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