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A jury found former Fullerton Police Department officers Manuel Ramos and Jay Cicinelli not guilty of all charges in the 2011 beating death of homeless schizophrenic Kelly Thomas. After the verdicts, Orange County DA Tony Rackauckas said his office would not pursue charges against a third Fullerton officer. Ron Thomas, Kelly Thomas' father, called the jury verdicts a miscarriage of justice. "Inside we're all just torn up," Ron Thomas said.
Ramos had been facing second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter charges. Cicinelli was charged with involuntary manslaughter and excessive use of force under the color of authority. The former officers and their families quickly left the courtroom.
Following the verdict, Fullerton Chief of Police Dan Hughes issued the following statement:
"We respect the jury's verdict, and appreciate the consideration the jury gave to the evidence. We understand that there may be a wide variety of reactions to the verdict and encourage anybody who wishes to express their feelings to do so respectfully."
