Part 5/11:
Some supporters hailed Penny as a hero for protecting fellow commuters, while adversaries viewed the verdict as a damning reflection of systemic failures within mental health services. Neely's death raised uncomfortable questions about how society treats individuals grappling with mental illness and substance abuse issues. Following the trial's conclusion, the jury's exoneration of Penny drew a considerable public protest, underscoring the contentious nature of the case and the diverging opinions it has generated.