The tragic case of Janae Edmondson, a 16-year-old Tennessee volleyball player who had both of her legs amputated after a motorist repeatedly violated his bond conditions and crashed into her in St. Louis, has spurred widespread criticism of St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner.
Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, a Republican, called for Gardner’s resignation by noon Thursday, or he’ll try to remove her from office. Democratic Mayor Tishaura O. Jones said Gardner had “lost the trust of the people”, but did not call for her resignation. Missouri Senate President Pro Tem Caleb Rowden and Missouri House Speaker Dean Plocher also urged Gardner to step down.
The motorist, Daniel Riley, 21, was out on bond after a 2020 robbery charge that was recently re-filed. Court records showed more than 50 violations of bond conditions, yet he was not behind bars. Gardner said her office sought a bond hearing in January but got no response from the court.
Gardner has a history of sparking controversy. In 2018, she charged then-Gov. Eric Greitens with felony invasion of privacy, accusing him of taking a compromising photo of a woman during an extramarital affair. Greitens accused her of a political attack and the charge was later dropped.
In 2019, Gardner placed dozens of police officers on an “exclusion list”, prohibiting them from bringing cases. The list was developed after a national group accused the officers of posting racist and anti-Muslim comments on social media.
A bill advancing in the Missouri Legislature would allow Gov. Mike Parson to appoint a special prosecutor to handle violent crimes in St. Louis. Supporters of the bill contend Gardner has not been tough enough on crime during her tenure.
Gardner’s supporters have rallied in Jefferson City, saying the effort to take away her power was racially motivated.
The tragic case of Janae Edmondson has brought renewed scrutiny to Gardner’s handling of criminal cases and her ability to protect victims of crime. The heartbreaking incident has sparked an outcry from both sides of the political aisle and has highlighted the need for greater accountability and oversight of criminal justice in St. Louis.
