By AMY TAXIN and GREG RISLING, Associated Press. Associated Press Writers Gillian Flaccus in Orange County and Thomas Watkins in Los Angeles contributed to this report.
SANTA ANA, Calif. -- Two police officers were charged Wednesday in the death of a mentally ill homeless man in Southern California who was beaten and repeatedly shocked with a stun gun during his arrest, authorities said.
Officer Manuel Ramos was charged with one count each of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in the death of 37-year-old Kelly Thomas after a violent confrontation on July 5 with officers, Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas said at a news conference.
Police Cpl. Jay Cicinelli was charged with one count each of involuntary manslaughter and excessive force, he said.
Rackauckas said a review of the evidence showed Thomas was acting "in self-defense, in pain and in a state of panic."
"His numerous pleas of `I'm sorry,' `I can't breathe,' `Help Dad' (were) all to no avail. Screams, loud screams, didn't help," the prosecutor said.
The prosecutor said police officers have a right to use reasonable force in the performance of a lawful duty but citizens have a right to self-defense, even against the police.
Lorie Fridell, an associate professor of criminology at the University of South Florida, said it is highly unusual for a police officer to be charged with murder.
"It is quite appropriate in such cases to hold officers to account," Fridell said. "Often, however prosecutors will give officers the benefit of the doubt."
Ron Thomas, Kelly Thomas' father, said he was pleased with the charges but still suffers every day as a result of his son's death.
"That's exactly what I hoped for," Ron Thomas said of the charges.. "It makes me feel fantastic that this is happening, it's the justice we need."
Bill Hadden, an attorney representing Cincinelli, didn't immediately return a call for comment. A call to a home number for Ramos rang unanswered.
Arraignment was scheduled later Wednesday.
Six officers were placed on paid administrative leave after the incident that occurred while police were investigating reported vehicle break-ins at a transit hub.
Thomas suffered severe head and neck injuries and was taken off life support five days later.
Thomas suffered from schizophrenia and lived on the streets even though he received support from family and friends.
Police said Thomas ran when officers tried to search his bag. A struggle followed when they tried to arrest him for investigation of possession of stolen goods.
Video from a bystander's cell phone taken from a distance showed parts of the bloody encounter in which Thomas can be heard screaming for his father.
Surveillance video aboard a bus showed agitated passengers telling the driver that officers beat and repeatedly used a stun gun during the arrest.
After the incident, the police chief went on medical leave and the embattled City Council hired a law enforcement expert to investigate Police Department practices.
Incensed community members held demonstrations and started an effort to recall the mayor and two councilmembers over the incident.
Ron Thomas, the father of the dead man, filed a claim seeking damages from the city.
He has previously released his son's medical records showing Thomas suffered broken bones in his face, choked on his own blood and was repeatedly shocked with two stun guns.
News reports show Cincinelli left the Los Angeles Police Department after losing an eye in 1996 while working as a probationary officer.
Cincinelli, who was 25 at the time, was shot during an on-duty gunfight during a traffic stop less than three weeks after graduating from the Police Academy, according to news accounts.
they're conditioning the cops to see the people as enemies through militarization.
they are now more an occupying force on behalf of central government than public servants who serve the public good
"His numerous pleas of `I'm sorry,' `I can't breathe,' `Help Dad' (were) all to no avail. Screams, loud screams, didn't help," the prosecutor said.
This part really bothered me the most.. to do this to a mentally unstable person.. sob7an Allah it is beyond words..
does anyone out there trust cops? in any country?
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
I've noticed some time ago that many in the US have an adverse perception of cops. After reading and viewing different stories about corruption, unnecessary force, etc, I came to see why. I recently read an article about a sheriff threatening to shoot a medical marijuana patient's dog if he didn't cooperate....
I've noticed some time ago that many in the US have an adverse perception of cops. After reading and viewing different stories about corruption, unnecessary force, etc, I came to see why. I recently read an article about a sheriff threatening to shoot a medical marijuana patient's dog if he didn't cooperate....
I think people should cooperate with them, not because these cops are a pillar of their community or doing their job, but if the individual values his/her life which obviously these pigs have no regard for. You arm pigs and what do you get? rabies in their case. But this case clearly the deceased had schizophrenia and wasn't well. Which part of 'I can't breathe, and I am sorry' did they not understand.. ugh..
It really broke my heart seeing how he was also calling for his father.. poor guy must have been very frightened and that's the last thing that happened to him.. May God have mercy on this poor soul..
Text without context is pretext If your opponent is of choleric temperament, seek to irritate him
He has previously released his son's medical records showing Thomas suffered broken bones in his face, choked on his own blood and was repeatedly shocked with two stun guns.
That's nothing less than torture. Just because he didn't obey them when they asked to search his bag. So they beat him till he chokes on his own blood, sickening.
Schizophrenics tend to have the 'fight or flight' response when they think they are being overpowered. And that was the case here.
Do not think of minor sins as insignificant,
for mountains are made out of pebbles...
they're conditioning the cops to see the people as enemies through militarization.
they are now more an occupying force on behalf of central government than public servants who serve the public good
A lot of police officers are former military. Police departments encourage applicants coming from a military background. One of my sister's high school friend's husband was a Marine and then later a sheriff, so I can verify this as actual fact.
Some police officers do try to help people, but a lot of them are just thugs with badges and guns.
I remember having a debate with a cop about registration of firearms and why I thought it was wrong. It reminds me too much of Nazi Germany. Pretty soon only the police will be armed and then the citizens will be helpless against their government.
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