The Fullerton police officers charged in the death of Kelly Thomas were found Not Guilty. There LA Times has the story here:
Ex-Fullerton officers found not guilty in Kelly Thomas death
Los Angeles Times | January 13, 2014 | 4:04 PM Two former Fullerton police officers were found not guilty in the killing of Kelly Thomas, a schizophrenic homeless man who died after a violent encounter with police in 2011. Manuel Ramos and Jay Cicinelli were charged with striking Thomas with a baton and a stun gun in a beating that left the homeless man comatose. He died five days later. The jury deliberated about eight hours before reaching their verdict. Ramos had been facing second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges, and Cicinelli was charged with involuntary manslaughter and excessive use of force under the color of authority.
Working in the Criminal Justice System for 35 years I have several observations to offer. First, it is very difficult to convince twelve individual Jurors of anything, even when the picture seems plain to see. Each individual looks at the incident through their own rose colored glasses, factors personal philosophy bias and forms an opinion. Secondly, yes there are times when regadless of what side of an issue you are on, you don’t get a Jury decision you like or agree with. I have been there myself a number of times and it always left a bad taste in my mouth. Lastly, after all is said and done, our Justice System in the United States is the best in the world. Not always right, but it balances out in the end.
The Jury has spoken loud and clear in the Kelly Thomas case. People need to can the negative commentary, pointing the finger of blame and arm chair quarterbacking the Jury. Those who really care about what happened to Kelly Thomas, should band together and come up with realistic suggestions on how to deal with homeless, mentally challenged and other potential victims just waiting to happen. Negativism will be meaningless, but if constructive efforts can make even small changes in the System, then Kelly Thomas will not have died in vain.
Pat Rodgers,
We can do and think whatever the hell we want to think. And I happen to think these were 12 stupid idiots who seem to think because one is mentally ill and may of done drugs in his life, that his life somehow mattered less. Your apologetic shilling for these murderers makes me wonder how many people felt the end of your baton just because you did not like the color of their skin or thought their mental illness made them easy picking to beat up.