Day 1 of the Daniel Riley Trial: Janae Edmondson's father, James Edmondson, delivers testimony

Emotional and powerful testimony filled the Carnahan Courthouse on Tuesday as the trial against Daniel Riley officially began. Riley is the driver accused of critically injuring Tennessee teen Janae Edmondson while she and her family were visiting St. Louis in February 2023 for a volleyball tournament at the Dome at America's Center.
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[@TrishCroweMusic]

I cried and prayed through this entire testimony. You are an amazing father and strong man.

[@miss_kolissa]

😢😢

[@29sagittarius51]

Same here

[@Enigmatic2099]

Prayed for what? To the god that took her legs? Get help

[@stephanieroberson2560]

AMEN!! PRAYERS TO ALL OF THEM

[@christmasneverends5423]

My heart just goes out to him. Thank God for his military training. So grateful janae was surrounded by her mom and dad. Poor sweet girl.

[@kellykelly-fp1jg]

Strong sweet girl.. rich at heart

[@janicemackey2293]

This is what a Real Dad looks like ! God bless this Family ! Long hard road ahead for this young Lady blessed to have Family there for her ! They have just begun 🙏

[@stephanieroberson2560]

Yes!!!!! Epitome of a REAL MAN . REAL REAL DAD REAL FATHER!!!

[@pamalamuniz3754]

What a father, dad, and husband. He used everything he learned throughout his life to save their daughter. Praying for the whole family.

[@DaughterOfTheEve]

The man who had that belt must've been an angel sent by God above. Thank God she is still alive!!!

[@lover4x]

I thought that too right when he said" I just said I need a belt , response, here, then I need another belt, here ", and its white ( angel u be ok in my head).

[@Jack-eo5fn]

I hope you’re not offending the young athlete. She has a right to wonder where that angel was when the driver cut her legs off. Best we don’t push our beliefs about angels (which we say to make ourselves feel better) onto victims who had no angels when it mattered most.

[@DaughterOfTheEve]

@@Jack-eo5fn Aww so very well-worded of you! We'll see who's bowing at the sight of our Lord in the end. It'll be you too

[@ellenhood1356]

Absolutely must have been

[@ellenhood1356]

I believe God puts Angel's among us. And surely it won't offend her.

[@ConfusedConservative]

This father is a strong and loving man. I am so impressed by him. I send this family my loving support as they recover from this trauma.

[@dgarzaart2000]

Mr. Edmondson has my utmost respect. A great man, showing so much strength and love for his daughter is very inspiring to me. God bless you and yours sir.

[@hallesmith9520]

YOU’RE TELLING ME, HER BOYFRIEND LEFT HER AFTER SHE LOST HER LEGS… BECAUSE IT WAS “too hard” for HIM??? Ugh. My heart goes out to this family. She is so strong and I admire her so much to have gone through something so young.

[@taezos3731]

So he suppose to stay… it’s good that he left she don’t need anyone around her that feels that way

[@CalamityJ765]

The best thing for her. She deserves so much better.

[@beachfly8066]

That’s okay, he too had to deal with this in his own way. I have no doubt that this would have impacted him in a powerful way and that’ll stay with him for the rest of his life too

[@beachfly8066]

They weren’t married adults, they were kids

[@goose7574]

Like they say... "If you can't handle me at my worst, you don't deserve me at my best."

[@lisap1981]

What a great father. You can see the love he has for his family ❤

[@evalunloca]

Yes u can. What a great man

[@DocSeville]

What an absolutely amazing dad. And THANK YOU to the belt man.

[@murraychadwick9362]

I couldn't stop tearing up when he said he informed his daughter her legs were gone. 😢

[@sue9640]

And that she knew how much pain he was in telling her that and just said 'I love you dad"

[@ms.porsche3676]

I feel so bad for them they are still in my prayers. I hope she gets all the justice for what he did to her.

[@lilirishgrl]

I can literally hear this man’s heart break. Bless him 🙏🏻

[@tavionakeys2934]

23:30 he definitely got choked up

[@clarabow7077]

What a tragedy for that beautiful family. This is "why do bad things happen to good people?"

[@LONEWOLF..314-S-T-L]

I SALUTE YOU MR EDMONSON ( AN THE PERSON WHO GAVE YOU THE BELT TO SAVE JANAE LIFE ) .... SALUTE 🫡 ( TO GOD BE THE GLORY )

[@kimfrenken9239]

And the defendant gets to sit there with a mask on. He's the only one in court with a mask! Coward! Praying for this family! ❤

[@junkandthangs]

Covid probably rampant in jail so yeah cover up… I’m sure there’s a mugshot available somewhere

[@bethrock8469]

Exactly

[@surpriseimblack]

But I bet your vaccinated though!

[@ms.porsche3676]

He should be ashamed of himself and he has no remorse for what he did to her.

[@kimsikorski5988]

His entire demeanor is infuriating me. He is a soulless douchebag.

[@SamanthaSmith-xn1ur]

What an amazing father and human being! To know that you saved your baby's life is so powerful; I hope you always remember how special you truly are. And NOW I know where your baby's strength and determination comes from! May God forever Bless you and your entire family, and may He make sure justice is served to the monster who did this to your baby.

[@sharonsmith3687]

Absolutely heartbreaking. Being on the jury was must have been so hard. Thank you jurors.

[@marshapieroni6677]

Her father saved her life

[@CalamityJ765]

I admire this dad so much.

[@lindapark5421]

What a great man and father.He reminds me of my late Dad.What a hero!

[@Von2968]

😢💔 My heart goes out to the Edmondson family and especially Janae and her Mum and Dad. Thank God they were with her when it happened. They saved her life with their quick thinking and actions (her father with the tourniquets and her mother telling and willing her to keep her eyes open). The people that came forward with belts too. I hope they have great support around them and that Janae gets everything she needs to help her live the best life she wants. 💞💞💞

[@8td8tr]

It's very sad she lost her legs because of someone else negligence!!!😢

[@Halei_from_the_show_me]

What a brave father!!!

[@jennipeach2565]

A man amonst men and what an amazing Daddy.

[@Ingrid-j1o]

I knew James Edmondson was a military man when he described his tourniquet method to save his little girl's life! Amazing Dad and Mom! As he said God had control of his hands! ❣️🙏🇺🇲 God be with this amazing family! Continue to heal Janae and comfort this beautiful family❣️🙏🇺🇲

[@verajones9158]

I'm Praying for the, family 😢. And when she asked, her Dad. Why this happened, to Me. Amd he did have a answer was, because ALL THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON. The Bible tells , US that GOD IS SOVEREIGN, and if she knows GOD?? GOD WILL heal her mind and use, her FOR HIS GLORY!!!

[@TiphanieBirdingNW]

Prayers to this beautiful family 🙏🏾

[@karenbeneteau4397]

What a wonderful man, wonderful father and wonderful husband.

[@tavionakeys2934]

23:30 he cracked but didn’t break. This is a great man, fantastic father ❤

[@leggs4113]

I really hope someone is helping them with medical bills. This is so horrific.

[@lhellmund]

This story just breaks my heart.

[@surpriseimblack]

Is it still breaking?

[@surpriseimblack]

You need a heart surgeon

[@kimsikorski5988]

​@supriseimblack and you need to grow the f up.

[@tmacknola7896]

You are an angel daddy! I am so happy this family was blessed with you to help them get through this very tough time. My foot was supposed to be amputated but the doctor saved it. Thank God I had a wound care nurse because I had to hide under the sheets when they came in to do the cleaning and bandaging of my foot. It is already a horrible experience but to take care of the wounds is so commendable. I am praying for healing on the inside and outside for Janae. With Jesus's stripes you are healed!

[@TeaSpiracy]

I hope the belt donor comes forward

[@Habeshamorena8]

I live in STL and work very closely to First Responders. The two medics that showed up literally FROZE they resigned after this. Had it not been for her father, she would have bled to death because the two paramedics that arrived just were in shock they literally froze at what to do. The father's actions is what saved her life the love of a father allotted him the strength to separate her from the cars that had her pinned this man lifted two cars off her

[@ms.porsche3676]

That wasn’t nothing but God! ❤

[@goose7574]

As a prior quad athlete, my heart breaks for this young woman... I remember suffering from a blood by my heart when I was 17 and not being able to do sports for over 6 months and that seemed like forever. I can't imagine _ACTUALLY_ having an injury that would stop that truly forever. 😢

[@canaryblack5871]

I believe an angel from God gave him that belt and no one will tell me differently. No one is going to come forth about the belt, because it was God. Him talking about the belt gave me chills. My God is so good. She may not have her legs but she has her life and an awesome dad. ❤❤❤

[@Jack-eo5fn]

You think a God physically handed that belt to her Dad instead of a bystander doing it? Really? If God can physically arrange stuff like that, why would the same God not have kept the cars from crushing her in the furs place. Let me guess: God has a secret plan but we can’t know the plan.

[@canaryblack5871]

@Jack-eo5fn sir did you not read the post and understood what i said befire you commented. This let's me know you just want someone to talk to. Are you ok?! Because I said what i said. Not God. An angel from God. Look you can believe whatever you choose to believe. If a person or bystander comes forth let me know. If you have an issue with my beliefs, take it up with God. I Saud that with love. Go in peace sir.

[@ms.porsche3676]

Amen 🙏

[@melbaashley5706]

Prayers for this family

[@sarahwright4370]

Difficult to hear lawyer. She was concerned about hearing father and yet she was speaking too softly.

[@sarahxsays]

The fact that he was THERE, and didn’t run ahead to get the car or went somewhere else before meeting his family… the way the crash sound brought his mind back to his war training so he could act. I mean it’s just an unbelievable story. All my salutes to you, good sir. You’re daughter knows Daddy’s got her! ❤

[@evalunloca]

Indeed,,the time was ticking and he acted fast and seamless

[@heartpaws519]

Mr. Edmondson is an AMAZING MAN!! Thank you for your service, Sir!! How you were able to click into action to save your daughter's life is absolutely astounding!! Your testimony makes me believe everyone should have training like yours - but even with training, I doubt many people could react the way you did. 🙏Prayers for your entire family. You are ALL an inspiration of hope and perseverance!

[@candyprice2403]

😢..God Bless this father❤

[@ddgirl4135]

Amazing man, beautiful family, thank you for your service sir!

[@acenaraiki9707]

LORD HAVE MERCY. HER DAD IS SO COOL CLAM AND COLLECTED AND THE MAN WHO DID THIS TO HIS DAUGHTER IS SITTING ONLY A FEW FEET AWAY FROM HIM.I DON'T KNOW IF I COULD HAVE GAVE SUCH AN AMAZING TESTIMONY. GREAT JOB DAD.

[@jordanleighwheatley]

What an amazing man and dad. He's sunglehandledly responsible for saving his daughter's life. Those tourniquets are the only reason she made it until EMS got there

[@EllisInWonderland.]

True Soldier in more ways than one.💪🏽 So, so sorry for the traumatic experience you endured with your beloved daughter, Sir. Sending you, your daughter, wife, and family many blessings for protection, strength, love, courage, and peace. Sending the same to all who witnessed and or were affected by this tragic accident. 🙏🏽♥️✨

[@lolainma3218]

This is the model for what a true man , husband and father is. God lives in and through him you can see in his eyes and heart. God Bless them.

[@janicescott6569]

No human being should have to go through this kind of horror. The parents have to have PTSD.

[@Hunee-]

Extremely heartbreaking. Dad was nothing short of a hero.

[@janadogan-qy7ci]

This is a good man and a wonderful father. My heart is broken for this young girl who had so much to look forward to and had to suffer so much. The father's testimony mad me cry. God Bless this family.

[@acenaraiki9707]

LORD HAVE MERCY. I AM SO SORRY.THAT THIS HAPPENED TO YOUR DAUGHTER.

[@Ittybitty733]

My heart goes out to the whole family, I know what the Phantom pain is like. I lost a finger some years ago, and I still have the pain . Lord, please help this family recover from all this. I'll be praying for them every day 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@CorettaJG]

What a heroic father. God bless them all.

[@TruthSeeker-ii2yu]

This father is a hero 🙌 His daughter's hero many times over...to re-live what his daughter went though my heart was breaking 💔 😢 prayers for the beautiful girl who loss her legs to this,🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@hanaayr]

Dad is a G.

[@sarahl4984]

He reminds me of my dad. True hero’s to their daughters

[@evalunloca]

Ur so blessed❤

[@goose7574]

What an incredible father... He was her guardian angel that night night. ♥️🙏🏻♥️

[@eloramichel]

Love this family so much. God bless this daddy and her mama 😢

[@joanadkins797]

This father is a hero! Thank God for his training in the military 😢 Prayers for Janae and her family and the guys who gave their belts.

[@feddavandermolen-quest8388]

Very inconvenient setup of the microfone.

[@Amy-zs8tx]

Prayers for this family!!! They seem like a great loving family! The Lord knows how tough this is & He is with you all every single step of the way!! ❤️❤️❤️ A senseless tragedy!! 😪 Such a great dad!!!

[@darlenebutler5569]

May God continue to Heal this Family. He is what a Father looks like. The whole Family is Awsome. God Bless God is going to use this to show his Glory!!!. Peace to you All. ❤

[@marycunningham-ym2sx]

Brave Father Pray for the Family

[@ratimaat9397]

So glad you was by her side, God is all so good you still have her with you, you’re definitely a strong man to be able to control your emotions and allow your training to come forward

[@laurabell7185]

Praying 🙏🏾 for your family, your baby girl and God bless you all for your strength. Your testimony brought me to tears.

[@loisroberts2216]

I feel so bad for this family and there daughter she is one brave girl u are a warrior a leader a very hard working young lady my prayers are with u all.

[@sharonromer6606]

Bless that father.. his strength is admirable. He will be with his daughter to help her through ❣️

[@cathybelk-cb3ei]

Such an aweful thing to happen to anyone much less a teenager God Bless Each of You ❤

[@janettoli]

These are the hero’s we rarely see in life. My heart goes out to this family. Thank God he kept his wits about him during what I’m sure was his most difficult moment in life♥️

[@Hope-c1y]

Justice for Janae 🥰💜

[@Ingrid-j1o]

The man with the belt was an Angel and one of God's miracles! ❣️🙏🇺🇲

[@janetwebb7127]

My heart goes out to this family. They have the most remarkable and strong young lady for a daughter who has struggled and fought to continue to live her life to the best of her ability. Thank the good Lord above that her dad was able to keep his thoughts and wits about him to save her life with the tourniquets or else she would have bled out before the ambulance got there. I’m so happy that she is able to continue to be a part of her volleyball life even though she can’t play herself. What an inspiration to everyone else!!

[@margosmith9419]

Can you be my dad 😢 wow what a great man

[@carolynsherman3439]

What an awesome dad. ❤

[@lisajeter9511]

This Dad is so strong!

[@fayeanderson4480]

Breaks my heart such a great dad.

[@kathleenmyers5895]

Dad is a rockstar.

[@bethrock8469]

I am so sorry this happened to Janae.

[@lucyElaine5656]

What an amazing father! God and his angels were with that family, the night of the incident. For him to recall in such detail and keeping his composure, is amazing to me. I'm just so sorry they have to go through this tragedy. I truly believe God has great plans for this family.

[@selenamay516]

what a brave father and hero. strong loving family

[@sondog1983]

Can’t watch this families pain, bless them and I wish them strength and so much love for their future, they deserve rainbows!

[@LilC713]

Prayers and respect for this man giving this testimony

[@childtimematters513]

Witness chair needs a modesty panel.

[@jeanettekruger9007]

Hid Mom is just as guilty as him. She should be jailed too! For life!

[@JbirdL2233]

We all know angels from God wear those kinds of belts with a hole every inch. I pray for continued healing from the trauma for all of you. I can not even imagine. ❤

[@lauraw3338]

God Bless you and your family.🥰🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@naomivantonder1161]

So so sorry for what happened, my God bless you.

[@ree3262]

my heart 💔brakes for this father 😢

[@thetylergirlz2065]

*breaks

[@carolschober8028]

What are the chances that a guy with that king of belt was right their to give it to the father.

[@kellygnow1]

Hero❤😢

[@TheJawn_G]

11:19 horrible horrible horrible

[@southernmomma2460]

What a hard thing to do for a parent. Bless this family!

[@surpriseimblack]

If you watch just the video it's hard to tell what actually happened

[@CereCerebration]

This is heartbreaking but this father is so strong. He is a blessing to his family and saved his daughter’s life. What a trauma for them all. Why oh why are they being subjected to reliving this nightmare in a trial? What’s to prove? The facts are the facts. This criminal should have pled guilty and spared everyone even more pain instead of insisting on a trial. May this family be blessed and able to continue to move forward in peace.

[@Moonstars11]

Hero dad

[@traceynewcombe9962]

All the best to you and your family, your a pure champion

[@elexustharpe1434]

She needs to start digital content....it will give her more support.

[@breathnstop]

Such lovely people. Such a raw deal. Infuriating. And the fool who caused her so much pain isnt even sorry. Just a selfish loser.

[@jinx7501]

If he hadn't responded as fast as he did, she would be dead. That's plain fact. My fellow responders and I try to get to our patients as fast as possible. We can't beat a bleed like that. He mentioned she had seconds. That's not exaggeration. She would have died before we were even dispatched. Her father and the grace of God.

[@ellenhood1356]

Surely everyone knows what a tournakit (spelling) is. This poor dad shouldn't have to relive this nightmare 😢

[@CorettaJG]

Tourniquet

[@LA-th2xf]

God was truly with you.

[@patriciamoeller8865]

audio is awful

[@chelsjo4315]

Gross 🤢 I deff would NOT be putting those ear phones in my ears without them being new in a pkg 🤮 eww