Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Rich S on June 5, 2013 at 10:03am

You said you won't engage but I'm going to reply anyway.  I think it's not insisting on the case go to trial so much as insisting that he not be allowed to plea-bargain down to lesser charges.  I don't want this to go to trial either.  I want the defendant to accept responsibility for his actions and plead guilty.  That being said it's still innocent until proven guilty in our legal system.  I don't have a shred of doubt that he is guilty but if I'm wrong then he should be allowed his day in court.  And that would be a trial.  

I'm not sure offhand but I've seen many times that a high percentage of cases get plea bargained down to lesser charges.  This is one instance where I don't think that should happen.  

David Barish said:

I don't mean to make much of this. I have exchanged some strongly worded messages with some biking friends. I cannot sign a petition insisting that the case go to trial. I want the driver to face the full wrath of the law.  However, I feel that insisting on a trial serves no purpose and as a life long liberal it smacks of a lynch mob.  I have no problem with showing up at court, making voices heard, etc. I have a big problem with insisting that the case must go to trial. I am sure many here will take issue with this. I will not reply regardless of the responses as I do not want to derail this thread and take the focus of Bobby's unfortunate death and the liklihood that an apparently drunk driver was responsible.

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Permalink Reply by Davo on June 5, 2013 at 11:14am

I don't know of many lynch mobs who demanded for a trial based on facts. If we were actually a lynch mob he probably wouldn't have a trial at all.

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Permalink Reply by Zach Thomas on June 5, 2013 at 11:50am

Demanding that a case go to trial is no way, shape or form reminiscent of a lynch mob. A lynch mob kills a person without any sort of attention to the facts or due process of law. Insisting a case go to trial specifically encourages and necessitates attention to the facts and due process of law. I get what you are saying, David, but choose your words better.

I had the great pleasure to work with and befriend Bobby, and many of us visited the site of the accident Thursday and Friday evenings. We heard direct, eye-witness accounts that were horribly gruesome and disturbing, including the lack of remorse on behalf of the perpetrator. I admit that my emotional proximity to Bobby makes it difficult- if not impossible- to render a completely unbiased opinion, but my desire to see this go to trial goes beyond my personal connection to the case.

This case needs to be tried in a public courtroom setting because it is time that the city and community take a stand against the arrogant recklessness with which all too many motorists in this city regard cyclists, pedestrians and even other motorists. My problem with a plea bargain in this case is not with the potential for a less harsh sentence. Heck, if the case goes to trial, San Hamel could end up getting acquitted. The fact is that even if the guy gets life, we won't get our friend back. I want this to go to trial so that the Chicago community must publicly define its stance on cycling and responsible road sharing, with reporters quoting public figures about their positions and spurring awareness via public discussion and debate. The death of our friend will remain a tragedy regardless of the outcome of any legal proceedings. A public trial that advances the cause of responsible road sharing would provide some comfort for me, as at least his death would not be for nothing.

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Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on June 5, 2013 at 11:52am

I think they're drunk to have a company profile that can only be viewed if you're signed into Facebook.  Good for getting the word out.

Their "apology" sounds like boilerplate BS, not the response of a company whose intoxicated employee caused another person's death.  I guess it would be bad for them to badmouth their own business.

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Permalink Reply by Agnieszka Z. on June 7, 2013 at 5:12pm

Am I the only one who thinks that it's beside the point to blame or expect apology from the offender's employer--or in any way focus on them? Yes, lame company, but they clealy do not exist to promote driving while intoxicated.

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