Cops Bully Homeless Man to Death

**gee** · August 9th, 2011, 10:23 AM

This is disturbing on many levels. The difference between this homeless guy and the countless others that this sort of shit happens too is he has a father who very much cared for him and this is not going to go away any time soon. I am not going to make a blanket statement that all cops are animals but I do know from my cop friends that they will take things farther if they think they can get away with it. Fullerton Police is definitely in damage control right now. I believe there doesn't need to be much investigation to see "excessive Force" was used here. We will see how open they will be about what truly happen here. Hopefully there is more video of the event and this will not not swept under the rug.

**suebee13** · August 15th, 2011, 07:04 PM

Cops saw video of deadly incident with Kelly Thomas before writing reports
Supervisors allowed Fullerton officers involved in a violent confrontation with a homeless man to view the footage to help them write up accounts of the incident. A former LAPD official calls it a 'bad practice.'

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la...,6171933.story

**TheMorningStar** · August 15th, 2011, 07:16 PM

This is exactly what will happen - mark my words.
http://www.dreamindemon.com/forums/s...927#post547927

Oh, and if there really were enough good cops there would be no bad cops. The existence of this kind of bullshit defies the good cop myth ( although I did meet one once on duty - and was shocked. This just re-enhances their rarity. )

**Dakota Valkyrie** · September 21st, 2011, 02:46 PM

Two charged in the death of Kelly Thomas

Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas announced Wednesday morning that two officers will face felony charges in the death of Kelly Thomas. Thomas, 37, was brutally beaten by six Fullerton Police officers, and died several days later from his severe injuries.

"The public has been crying for justice for Kelly," said Rackauckas in his opening remarks this morning at a Santa Ana press conference. Members of the Thomas family, including Kelly's outspoken father, Ron, were not permitted to attend today.

"In Orange County we generall trust our law enforcement [...] We must do everything that we can to ensure that we protect this trust, including, if necessary, prosecuting police officers who violate the law."

Rackauckas says an 11-week investigation took place, during which time the DA's office reviewed all manner of evidence, including video recordings from cell phones, surveillance video from the transit center, reports from 151 witnesses, police reports, physical evidence, medical reports, and the coroner's report.

Officer Manuel Ramos will be charge with one felony count of second degree murder, and one felony count of involuntary manslaughter. Rackauckas says Ramos "set in motion the events that led to the death of Kelly Thomas." He went on to describe the events that took place on that fateful July night, calling Ramos' actions as being "reckless," and "in conscious disregard to human life."

Ramos' behavior during the confrontation with Thomas as described as Rackauckas was dramatically out of line with police protocol. Rackauckas says Ramos knew Thomas, and that Thomas' behavior indicated clearly he did not have full control of his mental faculties.

"We're going to eff you up," Rackauckas says Ramos announced to Thomas, signaling a violent beating to come. The DA says he believes Ramos knew he was putting Thomas' life in danger, and that he was acting deliberately to hurt him badly.

If convicted, Ramos faces a sentence of 15 year to life in state prison.

Additionally, Crpl. Jay Cicinelli faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and use of excessive force.

Rackaukas revealed the official cause of death in the case is "mechanical compression of the thorax," which made it impossible for oxygen to travel to Thomas' brain. The other physical injuries Thomas sustained also contributed to his death.

Outside the news conference, protesters and supporters shouted and chanted after the announcement. Ron Thomas said he was pleased with the DA's remarks and decision to pursue a murder charge against Ramos.

"The biggest shame about this case is that it shouldn't have happened," remarked Rackauckas.

http://laist.com/2011/09/21/thomas_b...da_charges.php

**gee** · September 21st, 2011, 02:49 PM

Well finally they are doing the right thing here!

**AngelFire** · September 21st, 2011, 04:52 PM

I am not one to bash police officers, as their jobs are pretty dangerous and most wouldn't do it. But I have been witness to some very vile behavior by cops. I had a friend that was arrested by the Lakewood Sheriffs in 2001. He was kept all night long and we showed up at the station in the morning.

While we are waiting for the bail to be posted, a young husky young guy sat next to us. He would periodically walk up to the counter and speak to the officer. I really hadn't paid much mind to him until a few hours later. As a couple was approaching the station, this man got up and was ushered to the back of the office. I still didn't understand what was happening.

Well as the couple approached the counter, the young lady hands the officer some paperwork. Then she starts telling him how her ex-husband, a FULLERTON police officer had violated the custody agreement set forth by the court for their 5 year old daughter. The young lady was desperate for help, but the officer stated that he could not intervene in that matter that she would have to go back to court. Now all the while this man was hiding in the same office listening to this woman plead for help.

Needless to say, the officers never helped her. While she is leaving the station, about 3 other officers come out from the office and watch as this couple left, they were chuckling about the injuries the girl's new husband had on his face. This poor young guy was apparently beaten up by cops because I over heard one of the them saying that he wondered if the guy wanted the same treatment again. I was disgusted to say the least and started talking about bacon, and pigs and the whole nine yards..lol Husband kept telling me to shut the fuck up. But I just couldn't believe what I had witnessed.

**Pete Bondurant** · September 21st, 2011, 04:54 PM

Horseshit.........

**suebee13** · September 21st, 2011, 05:19 PM

"Kelly Thomas: D.A. charges two officers with murder, manslaughter"

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lano...r-charges.html

I know DV has already posted info, but I thought I'd come in and share again. I had to disappear for a while and have not been able to post any updates on this story. I'm just really glad something was done about this and he wasn't just forgotten. People need to remember, no matter what line of work anyone is in, people are people. In my eyes, you have the same chance of being an evil mother fucker as the next guy. Thanks for the support DD!

**Dakota Valkyrie** · September 21st, 2011, 06:37 PM

Jay Cicinelli / Manuel Ramos

Death of Kelly Thomas: D.A.'s step-by-step
District attorney lays out prosecutors’ account of events on the night of homeless man’s fatal encounter with police.
http://www.ocregister.com/news/thoma...mos-kelly.html

**AngelFire** · September 21st, 2011, 06:40 PM

If I looked like Jay Cicinelli, I'd be pissed at the world too. Ugly fucking murderous bullies.

**Obsolete** · September 21st, 2011, 07:08 PM

What the FUCK is up with that eye?

**TearCollector** · September 21st, 2011, 07:29 PM

If you really want to know what's going on, go here-http://www.fullertonsfuture.org/tag/...homas-beating/

What happened to Cicinelli's fucked up eye you ask? http://www.fullertonsfuture.org/2011...ay-cincinelli/

There were SIX cops surrounding/beating Kelly Thomas. Why are only two charged? I call bullshit!!

**Dakota Valkyrie** · September 22nd, 2011, 06:00 AM

Originally Posted by TearCollector

There were SIX cops surrounding/beating Kelly Thomas. Why are only two charged? I call bullshit!!

Read the link provided above with the timeline. The officers that beat Thomas were arrested. There is no evidence that any officers other than those two beat Thomas or knew of it occurring. I have questions about Ramos' partners knowledge but the last three did not arrive until after the beating & tasering had occurred.

From LA Times editorial:

Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas fulfilled the highest standards of his office by conducting a thorough yet timely investigation into a homeless man's death at the hands of Fullerton police officers. The unusual nature of the charges he has filed — it is rare for a police officer to be charged with murder in the execution of his job, as one of them was — indicates the deep level of consideration that prosecutors gave the case of Kelly Thomas, who was beaten by police in July during an altercation outside a Fullerton bus depot.

Whatever the outcome of the criminal charges, though, they don't bring resolution to the case. Rather, they pave the way for other official actions that should be undertaken by the city of Fullerton.

Rackauckas brought charges against two of the officers involved — the second officer was charged with involuntary manslaughter and use of excessive force — but determined that four other officers had committed no crime. That does not mean their actions met police standards, and the Police Department should be investigating to determine whether administrative action is warranted.

http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/...,7134222.story

It's not over yet. The other four officers should be facing administrative action or even lose their jobs, depending on what they did/didn't do, but the evidence does not warrant criminal charges for whatever it was. When the tapes are released we will all see. There are still FBI and other investigations so more actions may be possible. And hopefully the Fullerton PD continues to clean house.

Four officers who have not been charged in the killing of a 37-year-old mentally ill homeless man will remain on paid leave from the Fullerton Police Department pending two other investigations.

Chief Kevin Hamilton said Wednesday the four officers would remain on leave as the FBI conducts a civil rights investigation and the Police Department does an internal probe.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/...20109846.shtml

**AngelFire** · September 22nd, 2011, 06:34 PM

It's not over yet. The other four officers should be facing administrative action or even lose their jobs, depending on what they did/didn't do, but the evidence does not warrant criminal charges for whatever it was

That's pretty much the way Kelly's dad feels about the other officers involved in this ugly shameful mess. Fox 11 news had the dad on this morning and he said he felt that the other officers should at the very least, be fired. I totally agree with this man.

**Pete Bondurant** · September 22nd, 2011, 07:00 PM

I pardon these officers.

**Whisper** · September 29th, 2011, 10:56 PM

Fullerton Cops Bail Out Officer Accused of Murder
FULLERTON, Calif. (KTLA) -- Officer Manny Ramos, who is charged with second-degree murder in the death of homeless man Kelly Thomas, has been released from jail after fellow Fullerton Police Department officers reportedly gathered enough money to secure his bail.
Ramos was released from the Orange County jail at 12:20 a.m. Thursday. He had been held in isolation on $1 million bail.

The union did not endorse the gathering of Ramos' bail money by fellow officers, according to Barry Coffman, president of the Fullerton Police Officer Association.
Coffman says he understands the officers requested donations from family and friends of Ramos, as well as other police unions.
He did not know whether the other unions donated any money.
Also Thursday, Acting Fullerton Police Chief Kevin Hamilton says Ramos and co-defendant cpl. Jay Cicinelli have been notified they will be placed on unpaid leave, effective October 8th.
The officers have till the 7th to respond to the action.
Ramos, 37, has pleaded not guilty to one felony count of second-degree murder and one felony count of involuntary manslaughter in connection with Thomas' death.
[...]

http://www.ktla.com/news/landing/ktl...ory?hpt=ju_bn6

**Dakota Valkyrie** · May 8th, 2012, 09:53 AM

Video synced with officers mics.

Spectators gasped, screamed and cried in an Orange County courtroom Monday afternoon as they watched a graphic surveillance video of an encounter between six Fullerton policemen and a homeless man with schizophrenia.

When the outbursts continued among dozens of supporters of Kelly Thomas, a 37-year-old transient who died five days after the encounter July 5, 2011, Superior Court Judge Walter Schwarm halted the playing of the videotape to warn the audience.

He noted that emotions were running high but said he was being distracted. He told the crowd to maintain proper decorum or leave the courtroom. Four people rushed out in tears, and the playing of the videotaping resumed.

The tape was prosecution exhibit No. 4 in the preliminary hearing for two Fullerton policemen – officer Manuel Ramos and Cpl. Jay Cicinelli – charged with felonies that could land them in prison if convicted in their roles in the death of Thomas.
[...]

The videotape showed an escalating situation that abruptly became hostile when officer Manuel Ramos snapped on latex gloves and said, “Now, you see my fists? ... They’re getting ready to f--- you up … If you don’t start f------ listening.”

Within moments, Ramos and another officer take Thomas to the ground with help from a baton, according to the video, and pounce on him as he begins screaming “I’m sorry dude … I’m sorry. … I can’t breathe dude … I can’t breathe, sir! Please, help!”

Cicinelli arrived at the scene a few minutes later in response to a call that an officer needs help and quickly joined the fray, the videotape showed. He used a Taser to shock the man into submission and then used the plastic gun as a weapon as he hit Thomas in the face, the video shows.

Members of the audience, including Thomas’ mother and father, at first watched the video of the dialogue between homeless man and the officers in attentive silence.

But when the surveillance video showed the takedown and the ensuing struggle, which was partially obscured by a tree, several of Thomas’ supporters screamed loudly. Some wept. Others hung their heads and averted their eyes from the screen.

Schwarm stopped the playing one time to warn the spectators. Prosecutors then played the remainder of the 35-minute videotape to its conclusion.

The last scenes showed a pool of Thomas’ blood on the street after he was rushed to a hospital.
[...]

http://www.ocregister.com/news/orang...ackauckas.html

**Shadow** · May 8th, 2012, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by Dakota Valkyrie

I do not condone what these animals did to this man but I really wonder why they needed to use him for tazer practice if he was just laying there like a dead fish. Did they taze him for twitching? (not unheard of)

I am outraged at what has happened if it is as presented. I don't see how it can be anything other than what the media says because there are eyewitnesses.

Let's not insult the animals.. these so-called cops are MONSTERS for what they did to this guy. Homeless and mentally ill, is a bad combination to begin with, but there was *no* call for what happened to this guy. I saw the 'before' pic of him. He looks like someone who might've been friendly, even fun to be around. :(

~shadow

**Dakota Valkyrie** · May 16th, 2012, 06:20 AM

The mother of a mentally ill homeless man who died after he was beaten by Fullerton police has reached a settlement with the city that will pay her $1 million.

The settlement agreement unanimously approved Tuesday by the Fullerton City Council resolves Cathy Thomas’ legal claims against the city regarding the death of her son, Kelly Thomas, 37.

His father says any money he receives will be going to the Kelly Thomas Memorial Fund.
[...]

A Superior Court judge last week found there was enough evidence for Officer Manuel Ramos to stand trial for second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter and Cpl. Jay Cicinelli to face a trial for involuntary manslaughter and excessive force.

The settlement follows that preliminary hearing, during which a 33-minute video and audio recording of the incident was played.
[...]

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/...tlement-offer/