Acquittal of Jonathon J Riley in the Death of Samuel Scott Stalions Decided in Quiet January Massac County Bench Trial

(WMOK) Metropolis, IL – In a follow-up to a story we told you about in 2023, after nearly three years of legal proceedings, the case against Jonathon J. Riley officially and quietly concluded with a not-guilty verdict in the Massac County Circuit Court in earlier this year.

The case, which followed the May 2023 death of Samuel Scott Stalions at Acee’s Truck Stop, reached its climax during a two-day bench trial this past January.

The Evidence and Expert Testimony

During the trial, the State’s Attorney presented a massive digital and physical evidence file, including six surveillance videos and testimony from the Metropolis Police Department.

The defense countered with a expert medical testimony. Experts in forensic pathology, toxicology, and CPR were called to the stand to challenge the prosecution’s theory regarding the cause of death.

A Judge’s Decision

Because Riley waived his right to a jury trial in August 2025, the final decision rested solely with the judge.

After reviewing the evidence and hearing closing arguments, the court ruled that the State had not met the burden of proof required for an Involuntary Manslaughter conviction.

At 4:37 PM on January 28, the court entered a judgment of not guilty, citing specific findings on the record.

Chronological Timeline Indicated by Court Records: 

2023: Indictment and Arraignment

• August 17: A Bill of Indictment is filed; a warrant is issued with a $100,000 bond.

• August 21: Riley posts $10,000 (10% of bond) and is released.

• September 14: Riley appears in court, stating he is searching for an attorney.

• December 18: Defense Attorney Katherine Riley files a “Rule 707” statement to represent the defendant as an out-of-state attorney.

2024: Discovery and Delays

• January 29: Riley is formally arraigned, pleads not guilty, and waives the formal reading of the charges.

• March – October: A series of status hearings take place. By May, the parties are already anticipating a bench trial for early 2025.

2025: Trial Prep and Motion Battles

• January – March: Discussion of a “Rule 402” conference (plea discussions) occurs, but no agreement is reached.

• May 14: The State files a motion to require local counsel to appear alongside the out-of-state defense team.

• August 4: A major turning point occurs as Riley officially waives his right to a jury trial, opting for a bench trial (where the judge, not a jury, decides the verdict).

• September – December: The bench trial is set for January 27–28, 2026. Subpoenas are issued for medical experts, including Dr. Christopher Keefer.

2026: The Trial and Verdict

• January 12: Final pre-trial hearing; both sides announce they are ready.

• January 27 (Trial Day 1):

  • The State presents its case, calling Michael Kennedy, Officer Jay Joiner, and Dr. Christopher Keefer.

  • Six surveillance videos from the scene are played and admitted as evidence.

  • The State rests; the defense moves for a “directed verdict” (asking the judge to dismiss the charges immediately), but the motion is denied.

• January 28 (Trial Day 2):

  • The Defense presents its case, calling experts via Zoom: Joshua Glover (CPR expert), Lisa Thompson-Bobo (Toxicologist), and Dr. William Oliver (Pathologist).

  • Riley exercises his right to remain silent.

  • 2:05 PM: After closing arguments, the judge takes the matter under advisement.

  • 4:37 PM: The court reconvenes. The judge finds Jonathon Riley Not Guilty for reasons stated on the record. Case Closed.

• January 29: Final administrative accounting is processed, including the reissuing of a $9,000 check (likely the return of the bond posted in 2023).