Publisher’s Note: Many thanks to the hundreds of Tennesseans, Smyrna residents and people from across the nation who have showed their compassion and outpouring of support for Janae Edmondson. 
The tragic story of Janae’s accident caused me to think about my sister Vickie who was is sadly confined to a wheelchair after suffered from a bad fall and a brain injury.
My sister Vickie was a Smyrna High School and standout volleyball and softball player—she was awarded a softball scholarship at Martin Methodist College. Vickie even wrote a sports column for the former Rutherford Courier newspaper.
The tragic news of the car crash that led to 17-year-old Janae Edmondson losing both of her legs has sparked controversy in St. Louis, with political leaders calling for the resignation of the Circuit Attorney, Kimberly Gardner.
Janae, who was visiting the city for a volleyball tournament, was walking downtown with her family when she was struck and pinned between two cars. The driver responsible for the accident was 21-year-old Daniel Riley, who allegedly ignored a yield sign, leading to the collision.
Riley was out on bond at the time of the crash and was supposed to be under house arrest for gun-related charges and first-degree robbery. However, he had more than 50 GPS violations while on house arrest, and the Circuit Attorney’s Office postponed his trial date, originally scheduled for last month.
The delay in Riley’s trial and the subsequent crash that injured Janae has caused outrage in the community. Mayor Tishaura Jones and other political leaders are calling for Gardner’s resignation, citing this and other incidents that they believe demonstrate shortcomings in her office.
Mayor Jones has urged Gardner to reflect on whether she can continue as Circuit Attorney, given the loss of trust among the public. Meanwhile, Riley is being held without bond, and the investigation into the crash continues.
Car accidents can have severe consequences, and it is important for all parties involved to take steps to prevent them. This incident highlights the need for proper oversight of those who are out on bond or under house arrest, as well as the importance of timely and fair administration of justice in preventing future tragedies.
