Two ex-officers of the Fullerton Police Department in California are on trial for the egregious murder of Kelly Thomas, a mentally ill homeless man, who was beaten so savagely by Manuel Ramos (39) and Jay Cicinelli (41) that he slipped into a coma and died five days later in July of 2011. A surveillance video 33 minutes long of the grisly event survives, and will be used in the trial of Ramos and Cicinelli.
Ramos is facing a felony charge of second degree murder and one count of involuntary manslaughter. If he is convicted he will spend 15 years in prison, according to 4 NBC news. Espoused with Ramos, Cicinelli faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and excessive force.
Kelly was beaten to death despite his show of obedience and cries for his father. His last words were "Daddy" as Cicinelli bludgeoned Kelly's face against the pavement in wanton aggression. Cicinelli later remarked that he "smashed his face to hell" according to The LA Times
Ron Thomas, Kelly Thomas' father held a candlelight memorial in tribute to his son at the scene of the bus stop where he was murdered. Ron is eager to prove to the jury that his son was not violent, nor a schizophrenic.
“This is our day,” he said. “It's finally here.”