SANTA ANA (CNS) – Two Fullerton police officers were charged today in connection with the death of a schizophrenic homeless man who was left hospitalized after his violent July 5 arrest by six officers and taken off life support five days later.
Officer Manuel Ramos has been charged with second-degree murder and
involuntary manslaughter, while Officer Jay Cicinelli was charged with
involuntary manslaughter and use of excessive force, according to the District
Attorney’s office.
They are charged in the death of Kelly Thomas, 37, who was arrested July
5 at the Fullerton Transportation Center. Thomas’ subsequent hospitalization
and death touched off a firestorm in Fullerton, including an effort to recall three City Council members and calls for the police chief to resign.
