NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The driver convicted in a crash that caused Smyrna teen Janae Edmondson to lose her legs is now asking for a re-trial.
Daniel Riley's defense team is claiming some of the evidence at trial was prejudicial. His lawyers list more than a dozen reasons why they believe so.
The first being, the defense argues evidence that showed fentanyl and codeine was in Riley's system at the time of the crash in Saint Louis last year, should not have been brought up as part of the State's defense.
They also believe the jury was swayed by what they call gruesome photos of Janae's injuries and emotional testimony by her and her parents.
The defense also argues the person who was in another car involved, who Janae was pinned against by Riley's car, should have been investigated more.
We have been following this crash since February of last year when Janae and her family were in St. Louis for a volleyball tournament.
Riley was found guilty last month and his sentencing is scheduled to happen in two weeks.
This news comes after a judge decided a lawsuit the Edmondson family filed against St. Louis City can move forward.
That trial is set to start March of next year.
Here’s a beautiful story of how one mother turned her grief journey into a gathering of gratitude… and organ donation awareness.
Robb Coles highlights a special event organized by Cari Hollis – whose 26-year old son Austin died two years ago. Austin agreed to be an organ donor – and that single gesture saved multiple lives.
Cari reached out to as many recipients she could find – several of whom traveled to Nashville for an emotional celebration in Austin’s honor. One woman – whose life was saved by receiving Austin’s lungs – put it simply: “He’s my angel”.
- Rhori Johnston
