Emotions flow as Calif. police acquitted
SANTA ANA, Calif. — By the time all four verdicts were read clearing two California officers of killing a homeless man, people on both sides of the gallery were sobbing.
In the audience, the mother of Kelly Thomas wept into a tissue as someone shouted, “No!” A collective gasp went up from the gallery. Former Officer Jay Cicinelli's attorney pounded twice on the defense table, grabbing his client in a bear hug, as former Officer Manuel Ramos' family clutched hands and cried.
Thomas, 37, died five days after a violent confrontation with six officers in July 2011. A surveillance camera at the busy transit center where the incident unfolded captured him screaming for his father again and again and begging for air as the police kneed him, jolted him with an electric stun gun and used the blunt end to strike him around the face and head.
It was a rare case in which police officers were charged in a death involving actions on duty. Jurors took less than two days to reach their verdicts.
Ramos, 39, was acquitted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter on Monday. Cicinelli, 41, was acquitted of involuntary manslaughter and excessive use of force.
Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckus, who tried the case himself, said after the verdicts that charges will be dropped against Joseph Wolfe, a third officer awaiting trial.
The FBI said that it will review the evidence to determine whether federal action is justified.
“With the conclusion of the state court trial, investigators will examine the evidence and testimony to determine whether further investigation is warranted at the federal level,” said Laura Eimiller, the FBI's spokeswoman in Los Angeles.
Outside court, Thomas' parents condemned the verdicts.
“Just horrified,” Cathy Thomas said. “He got away with murdering my son.”
Ron Thomas said the verdict gave police “carte blanche” to brutalize people.
“All of us need to be very afraid now,” he said. “Police officers everywhere can beat us, kill us, whatever they want, but it has been proven right here today they'll get away with it.”
Ramos' attorney, John Barnett, said jurors did their duty.
“These peace officers were doing their jobs,” he said. “They were operating as they were trained, and they had no malice in their hearts.”
