ST. LOUIS — The jury found Daniel Riley guilty on four of five counts he was charged with after the crash that took Tennessee volleyball player Janae Edmondson’s legs.
Riley's family was visibly upset and in tears when the verdict was read. It was hard to see Riley’s expression because he was wearing a mask.
The Edmondsons told 5 On Your Side it was very stressful waiting for this verdict, but they were so relieved hearing the result.
Janae Edmondson and her family got one last chance to speak to the jury before they headed back to deliberate a sentence for Daniel Riley. Janae’s three siblings could not be there Thursday, but prosecutors read their joint statement saying they're still heartbroken over the crash that changed their lives.
Assistant Circuit Attorney Tanja Engelhardt read the her siblings' statement to the jury. It said in part, “If you had asked us one year ago if we had anything to be grateful for, we would have said no. But today we stand together eternally grateful that Janae is still alive. We are grateful that our dad was able to utilize his military training to save her. We're grateful that Janae found the strength to adapt to her new life.”
And while Janae is adapting, her mom, Francine, said nothing will be easy for Janae ever again and had one plea for the jury.
“When we're in St. Louis at the hospital after she just first woke up, she said to me that day, 'Please make sure he doesn't get out. Don't let him do this to anyone else,'” Francine Edmonson said.
Janae, herself, was in tears as she spoke to the jury one last time, explaining how she can no longer do the simple things like, walk or shower standing up.
“I wake up in the morning every day, and I'm immediately reminded of what happened. And I never want anyone to experience the pain, the sadness and the helplessness that I felt. But one positive I have gained from this journey is my faith in Jesus,” Janae Edmondson said.
The Edmondsons all asked the jury for the maximum prison sentence they could provide, but her father, James, said nothing will ever be enough for him.
“He will still be able to walk, even after the time you guys and the court give him. He will be able to run, he’ll be able to bend, he’ll be able to do all those things. My daughter will not,” James Edmondson said.
Riley and his attorneys declined to make a final statement. Riley’s family didn’t make a statement, either, and declined our request for an interview at this time.
The jury recommended nearly 19 years in prison. Now, it's up to Judge Michael Noble to make a final decision. Noble said there will be a presentencing investigation before a final hearing scheduled for 1:30 p.m. April 18.
The judge gave the defense an additional 10 days to file an appeal.
Riley was able to hug his mom one last time before deputies led him away.
After breaking the cone of silence, one of the jurors walked past the attorneys and straight over to the Edmondson family and gave each of them a hug before walking back out the jury exit.
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