Police Officers Charged in Kelly Thomas Murder

Despite being over two months ago, little appeared to be going on in the case of Kelly Thomas a man brutally executed on the streets of Fullerton California, by police on July 5th. But behind the scenes it seems some action is taking place.

The community (and readers all over the world) were outraged in July over the senseless killing of local homeless man Kelly Thomas, but more so by the lack of action. Six police officers beat and tased the man numerous times, a fact caught on a passerby’s camera phones. When the news broke, several police officers were put on administrative or medical leave (meaning that they would be paid not to work), an issue that caused further outrage.

Murdered Kelly Thomas In Better Times

Yesterday Cpl. Patrick Cicinelli was released on $25,000 bail after pleading not guilty in the murder of Kelly Thomas. At the same time the case of officer Manuel Anthony Ramos was organised for review on the 26th of September, in which he will administer his plea and request bail. Ramos is charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter.

The police hit down on Thomas on July 5th after allegedly receiving a call to say that cars in a nearby lot were being broken into. When police arrived near the scene they immediately targeted Thomas. Ramos is appears was well aware of Kelly Thomas, and their paths had crossed on several occasions, it is argued that knowing about Thomas and his mental health (he suffered a number of mental issues) he requested that Thomas, at the time of attempted arrest carry out a procedure that Thomas may find difficult to comply with due to cognitive issues. This then led into the brutal assault of Thomas.

Ramos is receiving heavier charges than Cicinelli because of his previous knowledge of Thomas and his condition. Although Cincinelli appears to have carried out the majority of the violent assault, kneeing Thomas in the head twice, and using a taser on him four times, once deploying the dart, three times using the taser directly against Thomas’ skin.

Ron Thomas, Kelly’s Father is consoled by a supporter.

The assault which began just after 9pm on July the 5th lasted 9 minutes, during which time 151 members of the public witnessed the incident, many taking footage that could later be presented to authorities.

Four other officers who were involved in relation to the incident Hampton, Blatney, Wolfe and Craig. All of whom have not been charged, as there is no real active participation in the violence involved in the incident. However since the Thomas incident other cases of violence have been bought to the attention of investigators in the case, and Hampton has been put on paid leave until the situation is properly investigated.

Thomas died after severe damage was applied to the thorax, making it impossible for him to breath. It is believed that even if he was mechanically kept alive after the incident, that Thomas would have needed care for the rest of his life.

District Attorney Tony Rackaukas is under extreme pressure by both the public and the media to ensure that justice is bought on behalf of Thomas. Rackaukas said in a press release that there would be no negotiation of plea bargaining in the charges against the officers involved, they were in a position of trust, and they abused that trust and as a result must face the full weight of the law. Assumption’s over Ramos fate will remain until 26th of September, but it is believed that Cincinelli will serve 15 years to life for his part in the horrific incident.

Thomas after the assault that ended his life.

Read more on this case:-

Fullerton Cops Beat Homeless Man to Death (Disturbing Footage and Image)

Kelly Thomas Murdered by Cops, While Fullerton Officials Do Nothing, The World is Watching