Shilo Sanders’ $11.89 million bankruptcy trial takes shocking turn as John Darjean collapses after hours of testimony
John Darjean, the former school security guard seeking to keep an $11.89 million judgment against Shilo Sanders, collapsed in a Denver courtroom on Thursday, September 3, after more than two hours of testimony. The incident happened on Day 4 of Sanders’ bankruptcy trial, which is focused on whether the debt can be wiped out under Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Police records from 2015 described the incident as an assault involving serious bodily injury, with Sanders listed as the suspect. The trial was scheduled to run through Friday, September 4.
Darjean has said Deion Sanders asked him to take Shilo’s phone. Shilo became angry when he approached him and hit him with an elbow around the neck and chest area before punching him near the face, according to Darjean. Darjean has said the incident caused serious damage to his neck and led to years of medical problems. He has denied attacking Darjean and said he was trying to get away after Darjean grabbed and choked him. Sanders has said he blacked out during the struggle and had marks on his arms and neck afterward.
He did not return to court. Shilo Sanders has given a very different version. He has continued to argue that he was defending himself. Several school witnesses have also given accounts that support Darjean’s version. At the same time, Sanders’ side has presented testimony supporting his claim that Darjean was the aggressor. After the evidence is completed, Judge Romero will make the decision later in a written ruling.
Darjean was taken to a hospital by ambulance and was released later that day, according to USA TODAY Sports.