ACQUITTED: Fullerton Police Officers in Kelly Thomas Beating Case

Two former Fullerton police officers were acquitted today of all charges stemming from the death of transient Kelly Thomas, who died five days after his 2011 arrest at the Fullerton Transportation Center.

Gasps could be heard from the Santa Ana courtroom as the verdicts were read, clearing former Officer Manuel Ramos -- who had been charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter -- and ex-Cpl. Jay Cicinelli, who was charged with involuntary manslaughter and use of excessive force.

Cicinelli hugged his attorney after the verdicts were read. Ramos could be seen with his face in his hands.

The charges against the 39-year-old ex-officers stemmed from the 37-year-old Thomas' July 5, 2011, arrest following reports of someone breaking into cars at the bus depot.

The violent arrest, which ultimately involved six officers, was captured on video and audio tape, which were the centerpieces of District Attorney Tony Rackauckas' case. Thomas, who wound up bruised, bloodied and hospitalized, never regained consciousness and was taken off life support five days later.

Defense attorneys contended during the trial that Thomas' death was the result of an enlarged heart caused by years of drug abuse.

Rackauckas, handling the case himself, urged jurors to use common sense, saying the officers went beyond police protocol during the arrest.

Jurors deliberated for about eight hours over the course of two days before announcing early this afternoon they had reached a verdict.

“Where do we really find justice any more in our justice system,” Thomas' father, Ron, said after the verdict.

He accused defense attorneys of lying throughout the trial about his son's drug use. He also said the verdict will send a message to police officers that they have the right to violently beat suspects.

“It has been proven right here today that they will get away with it,” he said. “They will get away with it.”

-- City News Service