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Fullerton cop charged in Kelly Thomas death case fired
Fullerton police officer Manuel Ramos listens as Judge Walter Schwarm explains why he believes all charges should stand and why he believes Ramos and Fullerton police officer Jay Cicinelli should stand trial for the death of Kelly Thomas.
(
Joshua Sudock, Orange County Register, Pool photo
)
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Fullerton cop charged in Kelly Thomas death case fired
One of two Fullerton police officers charged in connection with the death of a homeless man has been fired by the city.
Fullerton’s acting police chief told the Orange County Register that Manuel Ramos no longer works for the city of Fullerton.
Ramos is charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter in connection with the death of Kelly Thomas. Another officer, Corporal Jay Cicinelli, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and excessive force.
Ramos and Cicinelli are scheduled to be arraigned on the charges Friday in Santa Ana.
Thomas, a mentally ill, homeless man, was beaten by Fullerton police officers a year ago this month. He died five days later on July 10, 2011.
Both officers were put on unpaid leave and notified in May of the city’s intention to fire them.
Acting Police Chief Dan Hughes confirmed Ramos is no longer a Fullerton employee. He says Cicinelli is still employed by Fullerton and remains on unpaid leave.
Four other officers involved in the incident have not been charged in the case.
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