Officer Charged in Kelly Thomas Death Faces Arraignment Today

Ramos' mugshot (Courtesy OC DA)

Fullerton police officer Manuel Ramos, the 37-year-old officer charged in the death of Kelly Thomas, is slated to be arraigned today. Ramos, who has been held in isolation since Wednesday, is accused of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Corporal Jay Cicinelli, the other officer facing felony charges, is accused of one count of involuntary manslaughter and one count of use of excessive force. He pleaded not guilty on Wednesday and was released on bail.

John Barnett, Ramos' attorney who has been out of town, maintains that his client "committed no crime" and is expected to ask for a reduction in Ramos' $1 million bail amount during today's arraignment. Barnett explains his client's innocence as follows.

"He was confronted with a suspect who was combative and refused to comply with his lawful order. He was non-compliant, resisted and set these tragic events in motion. To charge a peace officer with murder under these circumstances is unprecedented and just wrong."

Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, who spearheaded the investigation of Thomas' death, says Ramos "set in motion the events that led to the death of Kelly Thomas" and added that Ramos' actions were "reckless" and "in conscious disregard to human life." Thomas, the 37-year-old mentally ill homeless man, died of "mechanical compression of the thorax," per Rackauckas, plus other injuries sustained after beaten by six Fullerton police officers on July 5, 2011. Thomas died five days later.

Ramos faces the most severe sentence in connection with the fatal beating and could be sentenced to up to 15 years in jail if convicted.

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By Lauren Lloyd in News on September 26, 2011 10:00 AM

Comments [rss]

Joel

Manuel Ramos is not a police officer. He is a troubled sick individual. He is a fat, lazy piece of crap. He has no business wearing a badge. This man, along with Mr. Cicinelli are criminals who deserve far more than 15 years in prison. As a police officer you are slated to be professional and courteous. Serving the public's best interests. His attitude towards Kelly Thomas on the night of the incident was horrible. "See these fucking fists? They're ready to fuck you up if you don't start listening". How is that an ok way to approach someone? Manuel Ramos, I doubt you will ever look at this comment but if you do, just know that you have completely lost the trust and respect of a fellow officer. But wait, you're not an officer. You are a murderer.

greenmachine911

They failed to mention his parents had restraining orders on him, His dad did not want him around til there was a future $$$ settlement coming..

greenmachine911

Can anybody explain why the news fails to report that 2 officers ended up with broken arms during the confrontation..

Frank TheTank

Probably because the officers didn't sustain any injuries.

greenmachine911

2 officers ended up broken arms... So again can you explain why the news didn't report that?

Frank TheTank

In other words, STFU.

greenmachine911

I would like to see you try and make me STFU!!! Truth hurt?

James Bean

But my link just proved that it's not the truth.

greenmachine911

Then explain why they had casts on for a few weeks.. Don't believe everything the news writes...

James Bean

Bullshit!

From the link...

http://prisonmovement.wordpres...

"Police initially said two officers had broken bones after the fight. The officers were later diagnosed with soft-tissue damage after they were re-examined, Goodrich said."

Frank TheTank

Can anyone tell us why these guys are facing (a mere) 14 and 4 years in prison? They viciously beat and murdered a citizen they were sworn to protect. Not only did they commit the unholiest of unholies, but they betrayed their community by operating in a capacity devoid of integrity. Why are they not facing life sentences???