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.
Journalism is at its best when we can shine a light on an issue that needs more attention. Once again, Hannah McDonald does this beautifully by highlighting the hardships of teens aging out of the foster care system. I learned something new in her reporting and am inspired by the work I AM NEXT is doing to make a difference. I think you will be too!
-Carrie Sharp
