Trial for Police Beating Death of Kelly Thomas Opens Today

Two former Fullerton officers place criminal charges

The trial in the criminal case of two former Fullerton police officers accused of beating homeless man Kelly Thomas to death two summers ago is scheduled to begin Monday.

On July 5, 2011, Thomas was hospitalized after an altercation with six Fullerton police officers at a bus depot. Police were called to the location to investigate a report of a vehicle break-in.

Thomas was hospitalized and died five days later when he was removed from life support.

Former Fullerton Police Department Officer Manuel Ramos is facing one felony count of second degree murder and one felony count of involuntary manslaughter. If convicted, Ramos faces up to 15 years in prison.