Trial set to begin for Chester town official accused of shooting lost DoorDash driver
Prosecutors say Chester Highway Superintendent John Reilly shot the 24-year-old driver outside his home on Valerie Drive on May 2, 2025, after the man pulled into the neighborhood while trying to complete a delivery.
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Jury selection is underway in Orange County Court in the trial of a Chester town official accused of shooting a lost DoorDash delivery driver outside his home.
Prosecutors say Chester Highway Superintendent John Reilly shot the 24-year-old driver outside his home on Valerie Drive on May 2, 2025, after the man pulled into the neighborhood while trying to complete a delivery.
Investigators say the driver had become lost after his phone battery died and had been going door to door asking for directions. Authorities say the driver spoke limited English.
About 80 potential jurors were brought into court as jury selection began Friday. Several jurors raised their hands when the judge asked about potential conflicts, including having seen media coverage of the case, having ties to police or knowing potential witnesses. Because of those conflicts, the court may need to bring in several rounds of jurors before attorneys can seat a final panel of 12 jurors plus alternates.
According to prosecutors, Reilly ordered the DoorDash driver to leave his property the night of the shooting. As the driver tried to leave in his car, prosecutors say Reilly fired multiple shots, striking the victim once in the back.
The driver survived but required emergency surgery for serious internal injuries.
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The case drew widespread attention after exclusive Ring doorbell video obtained by News 12 appeared to show the moment shots were fired as the driver tried to leave the property.
News 12 also obtained video from a neighbor's doorstep showing the driver shortly before the shooting, walking up and trying to find the right house.
Reilly has pleaded not guilty to a 13-count indictment that includes attempted murder, assault and weapons charges. His attorney Thomas Kenniff says Reilly acted in self-defense.
"We've been waiting for this day and are confident we can pick a fair jury. once that jury hears the evidence and sees the full scope of what Mr. Reilly was confronted with that night, we are confident they'll render a verdict of not-guilty," says Kenniff.
Reilly's wife, Selina Nelson-Reilly, also faces charges of hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence for allegedly deleting surveillance video tied to the case. She's due back in court next month.
Reilly remains out bail as the case moves forward. A judge ordered him to wear an ankle monitor and surrender his passport while awaiting trial.
Jury selection is expected to take several days before opening statements begin.
