Teenage volleyball competitor Janae Edmondson presented her account during the third day of Daniel Riley’s trial on Thursday, March 7, 2024, at the Carnahan Courthouse in downtown St. Louis. The case centers on Riley’s alleged role in a downtown St. Louis crash last February that caused severe harm to Edmondson. The event was captured in a photograph by Christine Tannous of the Post-Dispatch.
After an SUV collided with her, Edmondson distinctly remembered experiencing warmth, numbness, and intense pain. While lying on the street, her father promptly tended to her legs, and her mother urged her to stay alert, stressing the importance of keeping her eyes open.
Despite the tumultuous aftermath of the accident, Edmondson adhered to her mother’s instruction not to lose consciousness. Her account of the ambulance journey mirrored her mother’s guidance, underscoring her resolve to remain awake amidst the trauma.
Throughout her testimony, Edmondson, wheelchair-bound with evident amputation scars, recounted the traumatic events of February 18, 2023. Prosecutors claimed that Riley, under the influence of fentanyl, THC, and codeine, negligently drove his Audi SUV, leading to a collision with a Chevrolet Malibu at an intersection after ignoring a yield sign. The impact resulted in Edmondson’s legs being amputated due to being trapped between the vehicles.
In the courtroom, Riley’s defense lawyer, Dan Diemer, argued that law enforcement had prematurely arrested Riley, hinting at potential blame on the part of the Malibu’s driver. Despite conflicting testimonies concerning Riley’s condition post-accident, including his alleged intoxication and speed, Edmondson’s testimony stood as a poignant reminder of the lasting effects of the incident.
Edmondson’s mother, Francine Edmondson, emotionally recounted the distressing experience of witnessing her daughter undergo extensive surgeries and the subsequent challenges they encountered during their hospital stay in St. Louis. The emotional strain of the situation was evident as she detailed the relentless efforts to ease her daughter’s pain and assist her through the demanding recovery process.
Upon returning home, Edmondson’s family united to make necessary adaptations to accommodate her new reality post-injury. Despite enduring multiple surgeries and the daunting prospect of further procedures, Edmondson’s resilience was apparent. Her determination to surmount adversity was clear as she pursued her studies at Middle Tennessee State University, actively participated in volleyball team management, and embraced the ongoing path toward rehabilitation and self-sufficiency.
As the trial progressed, the courtroom observed the emotional interactions between the involved families, highlighting the profound impact of the tragic incident on all parties. Through Edmondson’s unwavering resolve and the legal proceedings regarding Riley’s case, the enduring consequences of that fateful day continued to unfold, seeking justice and resolution for those impacted.