Donors kick in $1.2M for subway chokehold suspect defense fund

NEW YORK — An online defense fund to cover legal costs for accused subway chokehold suspect Daniel Penny climbed above the $1.2 million mark Saturday with pledges from thousands of donors.

Lawyers for the exMarine charged in the May 1 killing of homeless victim Jordan Neely aboard an F train beneath Manhattan started the campaign for their client, with more than 20,000 people contributing.

“They should donate more for his defense,” said Queens mechanic Steven Sonego. “The poor guy was trying to help.”

One anonymous donor pledged a $10,000 gift, while most offered far more modest financial support for the man facing charges of seconddegree manslaughter in Neely’s death.

“Don’t give up or give in. God bless you. The world is pulling for you!” wrote one $50 supporter.

A second $50 backer expressed similar support for Penny: “Thank you for serving our country and thank you for serving the citizens on that subway. You stepped up to the call of duty in both cases and justice will be served.”

Penny, 24, remained free Saturday on $100,000 bond after surrendering to police Friday and making his initial court appearance. He had turned himself in four hours earlier at the Fifth Precinct in Chinatown, emerging a short time later in handcuffs.

A message left Saturday for comment from defense attorney Thomas Kenniff on the defense donations was not returned.

But the fundraising site said the money collected would cover Penny’s legal fees in the criminal case, any future civil lawsuits and expenses related to his defense.

Upper West Side building concierge Raymond Garcia said he was conflicted about the case.

“I’m in the middle,” he