Hailey
A shocking case from Kansas has drawn wide attention after a Lyons man was sentenced to life in prison for trying to kill a police officer.
The story includes violence, survival, courtroom battles, and an immediate appeal against the judgment. This article explains the full details of the crime, the trial, and what may happen next.
The Crime in October 2020
In October 2020, a tragic and violent event unfolded in Kansas. Adam Jay Hrabik, a resident of Lyons, fired multiple shots during a violent confrontation.
His first victim was Brian Friess, a former teacher and coach. Friess was badly injured but managed to survive the shooting.
Soon after, Officer Cory Ryan from the Lyons Police Department arrived at the scene in response to reports of gunfire. Unfortunately, Ryan became the next target.
Hrabik shot Officer Ryan several times, leaving him with critical injuries. For a time, Ryan’s life was in danger, but after medical treatment, he showed great improvement and survived.
The Trial Journey
The case went through several changes before reaching a final decision. Initially, the trial was supposed to happen in Rice County. However, it was later shifted first to Ellis County and then again to Lyon County. This movement was largely due to concerns over ensuring a fair trial.
In June 2025, after years of legal processes, the Lyon County jury found Hrabik guilty of:
- Attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer
- Aggravated assault
The seriousness of shooting a police officer made this one of the most severe criminal trials in the region in recent years.
The Sentence
Following his conviction, the court handed Hrabik a life sentence. This means that he will remain in prison for the rest of his natural life unless appeals change the outcome.
Life sentences in Kansas are among the strongest punishments given, often reserved for crimes involving murder or attempted murder.
The Appeal
Even before the judgment could settle, Hrabik’s defense attorney, Jason Smartt, announced an appeal. The appeal challenges:
- The jury’s verdict
- The life sentence
- Denial of certain pre-trial motions
- The overall fairness of the trial process
The Kansas Appellate Defender’s Office will now take over and represent Hrabik as the case continues in higher courts.
Key Details of the Case
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Convict | Adam Jay Hrabik |
| Victims | Officer Cory Ryan (police officer) & Brian Friess (former teacher/coach) |
| Incident Date | October 2020 |
| Location | Lyons, Kansas |
| Charges | Attempted capital murder of a law enforcement officer; Aggravated assault |
| Trial Location | Originally Rice County → Ellis County → Lyon County |
| Conviction Date | Late June 2025 |
| Sentence | Life in prison |
| Appeal Status | Filed by defense attorney Jason Smartt; handled by Kansas Appellate Defender’s Office |
Why This Case Matters
This case is important because:
- It shows the dangers police officers face when responding to emergencies.
- It highlights how serious crimes against law enforcement are handled by the legal system.
- It raises questions about the appeal process and whether the outcome could change in higher courts.
The Victims’ Recovery
- Officer Cory Ryan: After being shot several times, his recovery was described as “critical but improving.” His survival is seen as remarkable, considering the seriousness of his injuries.
- Brian Friess: The former teacher and coach also survived despite serious injuries. His role in the story adds a personal layer, since he was known in the community before the attack.
Defense and Legal Arguments
The defense team argued that several motions and legal processes were not fairly considered. Appeals like this can take months or even years, depending on how many courts review the case. However, life sentences are not easily overturned unless there are clear errors in trial procedures.
Possible Future Developments
- If the appeal is successful, the case might return to trial, or the sentence could be reduced.
- If the appeal is denied, Hrabik will remain in prison for life.
- Families of both the victims and the convicted man will continue to be impacted by this case for years.
The life sentence of Adam Jay Hrabik is a powerful reminder of how seriously the justice system treats crimes against police officers and community members. While the victims, Officer Cory Ryan and Brian Friess, survived their injuries, the emotional and physical scars remain.
With the appeal process now underway, the story is not yet over, but for now, justice has been delivered in the eyes of the court. This case demonstrates the balance between community safety, accountability, and the right to appeal within the justice system.