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Still Behind Bars, Giovanni Ramirez Issues Statement on Mistaken Arrest in Stow Case
Giovanni Ramirez issued his first public statement on Friday, a week after being exonerated following the arrests of new suspects in the LAPD's investigation into the near-fatal beating of Bryan Stow at Dodger Stadium.
"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," Ramirez wrote in a statement released by his attorneys. "Everyone is asking what am I going to do next. My only focus and attention is with the writ that has been filed this week. I know the judge in Superior Court will do the right thing."
Ramirez's attorneys filed court papers earlier this week asking a judge to order his release from prison, claiming a parole board "capitulated to the political and public pressure surrounding the Dodger Stadium beating," in ordering him in June to serve 10 months for violating parole.
Ramirez, who was on parole for firearms possession, was found in violation after a search of his apartment revealed a firearm beneath at the bottom of a laundry basket. His attorneys argue that he was unaware of the firearm.
Ramirez was cleared as the prime suspect in the brutal March 31 beating of Bryan Stow last week, after Louie Sanchez and Marvin Norwood were arrested. Sanchez and Norwood are being held on $500,000 bail.
Ramirez is currently serving that sentence at the Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in San Diego, according to ABC7.
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