ST. LOUIS – A jury has been selected for the trial of Daniel Riley. He’s accused of causing a horrific crash in downtown St. Louis that cost visiting volleyball player Janae Edmondson both of her legs.
St. Louis Circuit Court Judge Michael Noble is presiding over this very high-profile case.
Riley’s facing five counts, including second-degree assault, operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license, armed criminal action, and two counts of fourth-degree assault. He’s pleaded not guilty.
Last Friday, potential jurors filled out questionnaires aimed at finding out how much they already knew about the case. Attorneys on both sides wanted to know their availability to serve on the jury.
On Monday, lawyers had whittled the pool down to nearly 60 potential jurors, who faced questions about their employment and if they had any prior accidents. Some were quickly eliminated. By late Monday afternoon, the 12 jurors were selected, along with a few alternates.
Edmondson was in St. Louis from Tennessee for a volleyball tournament and was walking with her family when the crash happened on February 18, 2023. She was 17 at the time.
Police and prosecutors claim Riley was speeding on St. Charles Street when he failed to yield at the intersection of St. Charles and North 11th Street, struck one car and a parked vehicle.
Edmondson was pinned between two of the cars. Both of her legs had to be amputated.
Riley was 21 at the time of the crash and out on bond in a pending robbery case, despite violating the conditions of his release many times.
Opening statements are likely to begin on Tuesday. Authorities believe the trial will last three days. There will be a camera in the courtroom.
Edmonson is expected to testify during the trial.
