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Fullerton cop involved in homeless man Kelly Thomas's beating out of a job
Joe Wolfe, one of six officers caught on camera beating homeless man Kelly Thomas, has left the Fullerton Police Department. He's the second officer involved to do so.
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Fullerton cop involved in homeless man Kelly Thomas's beating out of a job
Yet another Fullerton police officer involved in the death of Kelly Thomas has left the department.
Joe Wolfe and five other officers were caught in surveillance footage beating Thomas, a schizophrenic homeless man, with their batons. Thomas later died from his injuries.
Corporal Tim Candler of the Fullerton Police Department confirmed that Wolfe was "no longer employed" with the city, but officers would not verify if he was let go or resigned.
Wolfe has not been charged in Thomas' death, but was seen in the footage swinging a baton over Thomas as he lay on the ground.
"How come he hasn’t been charged yet, and furthermore, why was he fired?” demands Ron Thomas, Kelly's father. But he does think the possible firing was a step in the right direction, adding that he's "happy that happened."
Wolfe is the second of the cops involved to later lose their position. Police confirmed last week that Manuel Ramos is no longer with the department.
Former Fullerton Police officer Manuel Ramos is charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter; and a second officer, Corporal Jay Cicinelli, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and excessive force in connection with the death of Thomas.
Ramos and Cicinelli were both notified in May of the city’s intention to fire them, but Cicinelli is still employed by the city and remains on unpaid leave.
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