Police officers in California were acquitted after allegedly killing a homeless man.
Kelly Thomas died five days after a violent confrontation with six police officers. According to a video, Thomas was clubbed and stunned by the police officers, according to CNN. Video of the beating drew jeers from California citizens.
The police officers were charged in a death involving actions on duty. Both officers were found to be not-guilty. Ramos, 39, was acquitted of second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Cicinelli, 41, was acquitted of involuntary manslaughter and excessive use of force. The defense said that Thomas got into an altercation with the police officers and refused to take their orders.
Ramos' attorney, John Barnett, said jurors did their duty. According to the Associated Press, Barnett said, "These peace officers were doing their jobs. They were operating as they were trained, and they had no malice in their hearts."
The officers were acquitted on Monday. Family members were deeply upset, and said that this gives police officers too much leeway in how they proceed with force.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
