St. Louis, Missouri – A man has been charged with threatening the judge and jury in the trial of Daniel Riely. Erick Buntyn, 34, is facing a class D felony charge of tampering with a judicial officer following an alleged incident at the Carnahan Courthouse. The incident occurred after the guilty verdict against Daniel Riley was announced on Thursday evening.
According to the probable cause statement, Buntyn started yelling in the courtroom, expressing his anger towards the judge and jury. Authorities reported that Buntyn made explicit threats, stating that he would kill them if he saw any of them outside. Law enforcement promptly responded to the courtroom and took Buntyn into custody. He is currently being held without bond.
The probable cause statement revealed that Buntyn had a pending felony harassment case and had failed to appear before a judge in a separate possession of a controlled substance case in Madison County, Illinois. These additional charges from Illinois further compound his legal troubles.
Daniel Riley, the driver who critically injured Tennessee teen Janae Edmondson during her visit to St. Louis in February 2023, has been found guilty on all but one misdemeanor assault charge related to the crash. The jury deliberated for just over three hours before delivering their verdict. The emotional trial spanned three days, with testimonies from Janae, her parents, and first responders recounting the tragic events of the crash.
Riley, 22, faced charges of second-degree assault and armed criminal action, both felonies, as well as several misdemeanors. The jury recommended sentences of 6 years and 3 months for second-degree assault, 11 years and 8 months for armed criminal action, and a 10-month term in the St. Louis City Justice Center for fourth-degree assault. The final decision on Riley’s sentences will be determined by Judge Michael Noble at a hearing scheduled for April 18.
The trial and subsequent threats against the judge and jury highlight the contentious nature of the case and the strong emotions surrounding it. The St. Louis community has been closely following this case since the crash occurred over a year ago, and the verdict has triggered various reactions. The threat made by Buntyn serves as a reminder of the potential dangers faced by those involved in high-profile trials.
As the legal proceedings continue, Riley and the court officials must navigate these volatile circumstances to ensure a fair and just resolution. The details surrounding the crash and its aftermath have captivated both local and national attention, underscoring the importance of a thorough and impartial judicial process.