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.
Fullerton City Council hears from beaten man Kelly Thomas' father; city settles civil claim for $1 million
Ron Thomas, Kelly Thomas' father, speaks to the media following a preliminary hearing in which a judge agreed to uphold charges against two Fullerton police officers charged with the death of his son.
(
Joshua Sudock, Orange County Register, Pool photo
)
Fullerton City Council oversaw a discussion about the death of schizophrenic homeless man Kelly Thomas' death in a packed and emotional meeting Tuesday night. The victim, 37, died last July five days after he was involved in a violent altercation with officers that was captured on cell phone and surveillance cameras. His father, Ron Thomas, called for harsher punishment of a third officer who was on the scene.
"I demand that Joe Wolfe be terminated immediately," Thomas told the council. "He, as well as [Manuel] Ramos and [Jay] Cicinelli, should have been suspended without pay, pending further investigation, from the beginning.”
Wolfe is currently on paid administrative leave. Ramos and Cicinelli face arraignment May 22 in Santa Ana.
Thomas struggled to speak, choking up as he asked the council to fire the third officer, who was seen striking his son with a baton. He told the council to take charge of the city and the police department.
Sponsored message
"You can no longer accept whatever the chief or acting chiefs tell you as the truth. You can no longer let the policeman’s bill of rights stand in the way what is required of you and what is morally the right thing to do," he added.
The raucous crowd spilled out of the meeting into the hallway. As the council began a public comment period, more than 30 attendees, including Fullerton City Council candidates, signed up to speak.
Fullerton City Mayor Sharon Quirk-Silva said that it was "heart-wrenching watching video [of Kelly Thomas' beating] last week," and "again, our condolences go out to [the] family."
Another speaker told the council that "viewing that tape rocked my soul and brought my wife to tears."
Someone wearing a "Kelly's Army' shirt said that "paid vacation for killing the innocent is not acceptable."
"There's something wrong with the leadership at the police department," said another.
Other speakers at the meeting asked the council to remove other officers not charged in connection with Kelly Thomas' death.
Sponsored message
Fullerton City Attorney Richard Jones said the city has settled a civil claim with Kelly Thomas' mother, Cathy Thomas, for $1 million. Cathy Thomas' attorney said they hope the settlement helps Cathy move on with her "healing process." She's waived any future claims. The council voted 5-0 to accept the deal. Ron Thomas said he was surprised about settlement.
Thomas went on to say that he’s not focused on his own civil claim with the city right now. And he said any money he might receive will go toward the Kelly Thomas Memorial Fund to assist the homeless in Orange County.
This story has been updated.
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.
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.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
