With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support 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.
Grandfather Testifies Kelly Thomas Attacked Him With A Fireplace Poker
Defense attorneys brought witnesses to the stand today in the high-profile trial involving two Fullerton police officers charged with the brutal beating of a mentally-ill and homeless man to death.
Former officers Manuel Ramos and Jay Cicinelli, are charged for Kelly Thomas' 2011 death that spurred a media firestorm after a 33-minute of the beating surfaced. The victim was hurt so badly that he was in a coma for five days before he died.
The defense attorneys hoped to bring to light that Thomas was not void of violent actions. Thomas' mother and grandfather gave their testimonies today and reluctantly recalled how they had been attacked by him the past.
His 91-year-old grandfather, Walter Dieball, said that Thomas had hit him in the back of his head more than once with a fireplace poker in his Placentia home back in 1995, according to KPCC. He believed Thomas got upset after they were talking about getting a job; however, Thomas apologized to Dieball two weeks later. Dieball, who donned a yellow ribbon in support of Thomas, added that he didn't fear his grandson.
Support for LAist comes from
"He's my grandson," Dieball said, reported City News Service. "He certainly didn't have any hatred for me."
Cathy Thomas, the victim's mother who was also wearing a yellow ribbon, spoke about how her son had grabbed her throat back in Dec. 2010 and she ordered a restraining order against him. She mentioned she found it difficult to talk about this situation.
"I wish I was more educated on schizophrenia and got him help," she said, according to City News Service. "If I knew more I would have taken him under my wing and helped more."
Dale Roberts, another witness, claimed Thomas punched him in the jaw when he asked him to leave a Christmas party, reported O.C. Register. Samantha Pepin recalled Thomas harassing her at a fruit stand she worked at and threw rocks at her.
The trial will resume on Monday.
Related Stories:
Defense Attorney Says Officers Actually 'Weren't Using Enough Force' In Brutal Kelly Thomas Beating
Kelly Thomas to be Cleared of Any Wrongdoing
Kelly Thomas' Alleged Attacker Trying to Get Charges Dropped
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight.
Best of LAist