Officers acquitted in beating death of California homeless man

A jury has acquitted two former Fullerton, California police officers in the beating death of a homeless man.

According to CNN, the verdict was read in a Santa Ana courtroom on Monday after a jury found Manuel Ramos and Jay Cicinelli not guilty.

The two former officers were accused of striking Kelly Thomas with a baton and a stun gun in a beating that left him in a coma. He died five days later.

The Associated Press reported that Ramos was charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter and Former Cpl. Jay Cicinelli of involuntary manslaughter and excessive use of force.

The jury, made up of eight women and four men, took less than a full day to deliberate.

Outside the courtroom, Thomas’ parents said they were stunned by the verdict and said the defendants had gotten away with murder.

Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas said prosecutors have decided not to pursue charges against a third Fullerton officer accused in the case. His trial was pending.

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