TJ Madsen is among the founding members of the New Herald Tribune and chairs the editorial board. He worked for national syndicated newspapers in Newark, Philadelphia, and Baltimore before moving to the midwest.
December 6 , 2024
New York - A jury has acquitted Pennywise the Dancing Clown of all charges related to the alleged manslaughter of a local resident during a bizarre incident in the Derry sewer system earlier this year.
The trial, which captivated both the town of Derry and the broader region, concluded yesterday after three days of deliberation. Pennywise, whose real name remains unknown, stood accused of unlawfully killing 32-year-old Michael Landon, a Derry resident, during an encounter in the town's sprawling underground tunnels. The prosecution claimed that Pennywise had used an illegal chokehold to subdue Landon, who had reportedly entered the sewer system in search of missing children.
Despite emotional testimony from Landon’s family, who described him as an "innocent man" trying to uncover the truth behind mysterious disappearances, the jury sided with the defense, which argued that Pennywise acted in self-defense.
According to reports, the incident unfolded on October 17, 2024, when Landon, a freelance journalist, ventured into the sewers to investigate rumors of strange disappearances linked to the notorious clown figure. Witnesses claimed to have seen Landon encounter Pennywise near an old storm drain, where an altercation ensued.
Prosecutors alleged that Pennywise, known for his terrifying appearance and unsettling demeanor, used a "chokehold" maneuver on Landon after he became "verbally aggressive" toward the clown. They argued that while Pennywise may have been provoked, the force used was excessive, resulting in Landon’s death due to asphyxiation.
The defense team, led by renowned criminal attorney Felicia Westbrook, claimed that Pennywise was the victim of harassment and intimidation. Westbrook described Landon as “a journalist with a penchant for getting too close to dangerous subjects,” suggesting that Landon had been repeatedly warned by Pennywise to stay out of the area. Westbrook also cited testimony from several sewer workers, who claimed to have heard "loud shouting" before the incident escalated.
Furthermore, the defense argued that Pennywise's actions were in line with self-defense protocols under the circumstances. “Pennywise acted out of fear for his life. When confronted by a large, aggressive man in a dark and confined space, there was no other option but to neutralize the threat,” said Westbrook in her closing statement.
The defense also questioned the legitimacy of the autopsy, with forensic experts suggesting that Landon's cause of death could not be definitively attributed to the chokehold alone. A report from a toxicologist revealed traces of an unknown substance in Landon’s system, further casting doubt on the prosecution's theory.
The acquittal has sparked polarized reactions across Derry. In the aftermath of the verdict, protests broke out in the town square, with many of Landon’s supporters accusing the jury of failing to hold the enigmatic figure responsible for his actions. “This is an outrage,” said Samantha Kelley, a local activist. “We cannot let this monster walk free while innocent people continue to disappear in this town.”
On the other side of the debate, Pennywise’s supporters celebrated the decision, arguing that the clown was a misunderstood figure who had long been the victim of media sensationalism. “Pennywise is just trying to protect his territory,” said one local resident, who preferred to remain anonymous. “Everyone’s so quick to judge him, but maybe we should look at the bigger picture.”
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