Overview
- The bench trial began with prerecorded testimony on Aug. 31 that several witnesses said Shilo Sanders struck security guard John Darjean during a 2015 school altercation.
- Shilo took the stand during the Sept. 1–2 proceedings and said Darjean attacked and choked him, asserting he acted in self-defense to escape the encounter.
- A medical witness testified that Darjean’s injuries required a surgical fusion from the C3 through C7 vertebrae, supporting the plaintiff’s claim of serious harm.
- Judge Michael E. Romero has ordered that Deion Sanders be available to testify remotely on Sept. 4 if defense counsel opens the door to his testimony.
- The court must translate contested facts from the 2022 Texas default judgment into the legal standard for nondischargeability, with a ruling to determine whether Darjean can keep collecting the $11.89 million or Shilo can obtain a fresh start.