This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Giovanni Ramirez, Wrong Suspect in Bryan Stow Beating, Released from Prison
Giovanni Ramirez (AP Photo)
Giovanni Ramirez hasn't been considered a suspect in the Bryan Stow beating case since two other men were arrested in July of last year, but it wasn't until this past weekend that he was released from jail, reports ABC News. Ramirez, 31, was arrested in May of last year in connection with the assault on Stow at the Dodgers 2011 opening game, but maintained his innocence. During hearings, he was found to be in violation of his parole -- an entirely separate issue than the Stow beating -- for being in possession of a firearm when officers searched his house.
Once Louie Sanchez, 29, and Marvin Norwood, 30, were taken into custody in connection with the assault on Stow, Ramirez wasn't considered a suspect anymore, but wound up serving ten months in jail for the parole violation.
Ramirez' attorneys at one point said that the parole board who sentenced Ramirez "capitulated to the political and public pressure surrounding the Dodger Stadium beating."
After his exoneration, Ramirez released a statement saying, "More than anything I'm upset. Not for myself but for the grief and embarrassment that my friends, family and loved ones have been put through."
Bryan Stow, meanwhile, continues to work towards recovery in a rehab center in the San Francisco area.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
