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.
A lesson in never giving up: Jack's story will have you believing dreams really can come true. It's so uplifting to hear those around him talk about his determination and then to see it rewarded. Not many teens would email coaches every week just to hear a 'no,' but Jack did. And eventually, it all pays off.
-Rebecca Schleicher
