An Update on the Bobby Cann Case

The family of fallen cyclist Robert “Bobby” Cann flew in from the East Coast to attend a hearing last week in the criminal case against motorist Ryne San Hamel, who allegedly struck Cann while drunk and speeding. At the hearing, the assistant state’s attorney said she plans to have an expert examine San Hamel’s car to rule out any possibility that brake failure was a factor in the crash, according to Cann family attorney Kate Conway.

On the evening of May 29, 2013, Cann, 26, was biking from work when motorist San Hamel, 28, struck him at the intersection of Clybourn and Larabee in Old Town. San Hamel was charged with reckless homicide, aggravated DUI, misdemeanor DUI, reckless driving, and failure to stay in the lane.

The status hearing took place last Thursday at the Cook County Courthouse, 26th and California. Over 30 people were there to support Cann, including his family, friends, coworkers and bike advocates, according to Conway. “After a year, his family felt it was a good time to reconnect with his supporters,” she said, adding that there were so many attendees that some of them had to be seated in the jury box. San Hamel’s immediate family also attended.

At the hearing, Assistant State’s Attorney Maria Augustus told Judge William Hooks she plans to have a brake specialist look at the car’s brakes, fluids, and tires to eliminate brake failure as a defense for San Hamel. Hooks scheduled the next status hearing for October 30 at 10 a.m, in room 301 of the courthouse.