BOSTON, Mass – In a case that captivated national attention, Daniel Penny, who raised over $3 million on GiveSendGo for his legal defense, was acquitted today by a jury in his criminally negligent homicide trial. GiveSendGo, the global leader in online fundraising, celebrates this verdict as a testament to the vital role crowdfunding plays in promoting fair trials.

"Too often, people are judged by the court of public opinion before they ever step into a courtroom. Hosting Daniel Penny’s campaign wasn’t about taking sides—it was about standing for the right of every person to raise the funds needed for a fair trial," said Jacob Wells, Co-founder of GiveSendGo. "Quality legal representation shouldn’t be reserved for the wealthy, and the ability to raise funds for one’s legal defense ensures verdicts like the one we heard today are based on facts, not financial barriers."

In May of 2023, Daniel Penny was charged with second-degree manslaughter following the death of Jordan Neely, who died after Penny restrained him on a New York City subway. Before the incident, Neely had been shouting death threats and acting erratically. On Friday, at prosecutors' request, Judge Maxwell Wiley dismissed the second-degree manslaughter charge, directing the jury to focus on the lesser charge of criminally negligent homicide, which carries a maximum four-year sentence.

GiveSendGo stands as one of the few crowdfunding platforms that allows legal defense campaigns. Other platforms have recently updated their terms of service to prohibit fundraising for alleged violent crimes, leading to the removal of campaigns for individuals like Kyle Rittenhouse and Jose Alba.

"This campaign is a prime example of why GiveSendGo exists," said Heather Wilson, Co-founder of GiveSendGo. "While other platforms deny individuals the chance to raise funds for a quality legal defense based on their agendas, we believe people are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Regardless of media portrayals or public pressure, it’s our responsibility to uphold that right, even for causes we may not personally support. Justice isn’t served when resources are limited to those who fit certain narratives."

The fund continues to receive donations. View Daniel Penny’s legal defense fund on GiveSendGo

GiveSendGo is the Global Leader in Online Fundraising, providing a safe, trusted, and reliable platform for people to raise money for the causes that matter most to them.

To schedule an interview with GiveSendGo Co-founders Heather Wilson or Jacob Wells, please contact GiveSendGo Communications Director Alex Shipley at Alex@GiveSendGo.com.