-Submitted by David Drumm (Nal), Guest Blogger
Kelly Thomas, a 37-year-old homeless schizophrenic, is shown on the left, after his confrontation with Fullerton California police officers, and on the right before his brutalization. He was taken to UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange County in critical condition on life-support and died five days later. Kelly was unarmed, had a slight build, and of medium height.
Witnesses claim that officers continued hitting Kelly with the butts of their flashlights even after he had stopped moving.
Kelly’s father, a retired Orange County sheriff’s deputy, didn’t recognize his son when he visited him at the hospital, and said “This is cold-blooded, aggravated murder.” Kelly’s father said his son was probably off his medication and couldn’t understand the officers’ commands.
An investigation is underway by the Orange County district attorney’s office and witnesses are sought.
In Olmstead v. L.C., the Supreme Court held that, under the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals with mental disabilities have the right to live in the community rather than in institutions. One consequence is that even people with serious mental disorders, that are controlled by medication, are members of society. The side effects of the medication are claimed to be worse than the illness they’re supposed to treat and individuals are reluctant to continue the treatment.
This incident demonstrates a lack of self-control by the officers who have manifested sociopathic tendencies.
The video below doesn’t show much of what took place but other videos may surface.
“Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas said prosecutors would not pursue charges against a third Fullerton officer accused in the Thomas case. That officer’s trial was pending.” -from the LA Times link, below
Excerpts:
Ron Thomas, Kelly Thomas’ father, said he was stunned by the verdict, saying he’d never seen such a miscarriage of justice.
Thomas also suggested that federal authorities should look into the case.
Ramos’ attorney, John Barnett, told reporters: “These peace officers were doing their jobs…they did what they were trained to do.”
…
Prosecutors said the video captured a real-time homicide with the officers beating a homeless man, even as he called out for help. Defense attorneys said it showed two policeman trying to restrain a violent suspect who possessed abnormal strength.
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-live-verdict-in-kelly-thomas-police-murder-case-20140113,0,5661959.story#ixzz2qNOlF9X8
puzzling wrote:
All too believable, unfortunately.
I would expect these officers to be reinstated, promoted, and given retroactive pay.
————
“Unbelievable” was all that I could muster at the time but, you’re absolutely correct, of course.
All too believable, unfortunately.
I would expect these officers to be reinstated, promoted, and given retroactive pay.
Unbelievable.
Thanks for the update OS! Crazy result.
Well that’s discouraging. Kind of hard to believe. Perhaps the linked story will help me get my head around this one.
BREAKING STORY: Jury acquits police officers of all charges in death of Kelly Thomas. From CBS.
http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2014/01/13/jury-reaches-verdict-in-trial-of-ex-fullerton-officers-charged-in-death-of-kelly-thomas/?utm_source=mobile&utm_medium=text-messaging&utm_campaign=text-messaging
More from blogger JPMassar Daily Kos:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/01/13/1269430/-Breaking-Kelly-Thomas-Murderer-Former-Officer-Ramos-Found-Not-Guilty
First I have many freinds in law enforcement and they all told me never trust a uniformed officer.You could have a 2yr teck certificate in finger painting.and U qulify!!Now I don’t mean this in a derogatory manner..but if that were my son..I’m not so sure I would be able to control my self..I am a father of 2 boys 1has brain dam from ambilical cord…I LITTERLY protect him 24/7 after watching this.just remember there are 2 kind of cop.1who makes the badge & 2 the badge makes the cop.becouse Ill tell you were I live If thst happened …well lets say country people can do more than fish..and u know that if you just touch an officer.even by acsdnt u go to jail for felony asult on an officer NOT ALL COPS ARE LIKE THAT!.BUT WHo knows with agenceys hireing mostly millatary ..Who knows……hitlers brown shirts? Let hope the good ones out number the bad 1000to oneI said earlier my son has some brain damage I’v raised him every scence he took his first breath ..I’ll tell u this if a person/s take his last breath.there taking there own as well a person can by no means put in that kind of time without the love for his son is greater than for himself …personaly…I would not want to live if I didn’t send those
So is it vigilante time yet? Just asking.
Very good information. Lucky me I ran across your website by chance (stumbleupon).
I’ve book-marked it for later!
All of america should take a stand against this,this is just terrible,it made me sick to my stomach.
Reacting to the recall, the police union head wrote “Last night we witnessed that the City of Fullerton can be bought.”
http://www.fullertonsfuture.org/2012/barrys-message-of-doom-and-gloom/
There is an update in this case:
3 Fullerton City Council Members Ousted In Recall Election
What on earth do these American cops think there doing. It’s so inhuman.
We all live in a sad sad worid.
We cannot asssume that every person who puts on a badge and straps on a gun is a hero. When the police beat and kill suspects, they are only cowards hiding behind a badge. Those higher up that allow this and even cover it up are only more corrupt. We need to hire grown and mature men who will not revert to a child-like irresponsibility when in a group of fellow officers. The cowardly behavior only justifies anarchy when we can no longer trust our heros to be men first. (read Scott Peck)
Thanks for the update Gene. These guys should be behind bars.
UPDATE:
“The two officers charged in the July death of a homeless man in Fullerton will be placed on leave without pay starting Oct. 8, Fullerton officials said Thursday after a closed-door meeting.
Officer Manuel Ramos and Cpl. Jay Cicinelli have been on paid administrative leave since early August, along with the other four officers involved in the July 5 incident that led to Kelly Thomas’ death.
Last week, the Orange County district attorney’s office filed charges of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter against Ramos and of involuntary manslaughter and excessive use of force against Cicinelli.
Both officers have been released on bail.
Acting Police Chief Kevin Hamilton released a statement saying, “The intent to change their pay status was made after consulting with our city attorneys regarding law that is relevant to this area.”
The officers have until Oct. 7 to appeal the decision.”
Read the rest at the L.A. Times. Article includes mug shots of Ramos and Cicinelli. See if you can tell the difference between their mugshots and those of other criminals.
These scum bag so called cops if you can call them that they are just a bunch of scum bag punk gang bangers all six of them, one may have killed this man but all where involved just being there they all had weapons and could have stop there scum bag buddy from this horrific crime but just help in the crime of murder, these cops in orange county are mostly hot headed punks most look like gang bangers, also LAPD are a bunch of scum bag liars they will arrest you for what ever reason they think of maybe even beat the shit out of you or if no witnesses around kill you, here’s the good shit these half ass cops after being on duty after a few years if they start to feel burned out they just commit a horrific crime and they receive a vacation pay or life with all benefits how’s that looks like an incentive to commit a criminal act for a early paid retirement, will any of these punks see jail time may one of them and maybe a year or two ? the system needs enema ASAP
X2, excellent progress report.
Gene,
That is good news. I hope the prosecution is a legitimate one and not just a show to appease the public.
Thanks Gene……