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Kelly Thomas, 37, a homeless man with schizophrenia, died in 2011 after being beaten by police officers in Fullerton, Calif. On Monday two officers were found not guilty in an Orange County courtroom.
Outside court, Thomas’s parents condemned the verdict.
“Just horrified,” Cathy Thomas said. “He got away with murdering my son. It’s just not fair. So I guess it’s legal to go out and kill now. He was so innocent. It just isn’t fair at all.”
Ron Thomas said the defense “lied … continuously” about his son’s character, such as his drug use.
“It’s carte blanche for police officers everywhere to beat us, kill us” because the verdict proves “they’ll get away with it.”
Thomas was taken off life support five days after the July 5, 2011, scuffle with several officers.
A third former officer, Joseph Wolfe, was awaiting trial but prosecutors said Monday they would drop the case against him. Three others were not charged.
Four-term Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas tried Ramos and Cicinelli himself, a sign of its importance.
Thomas’ death led to days of protests in Fullerton, a Southern California college town, forced the recall of three City Council members and led the police chief to step down.
Dozens of Thomas supporters, who called themselves “Kelly’s Army,” packed the courtroom each day of the five-week trial wearing yellow ribbons and buttons bearing his image. Ron Thomas said his son suffered from schizophrenia and didn’t understand the orders from police.
THE TWO COPS GOT AWAY WITH MURDER. THEY BEAT KELLY THOMAS TO DEATH. HERE IN ORANGE COUNTY.