Kelly Thomas' Mother Accepts $1 Million Settlement Offer
FULLERTON (CBS) — The mother of a mentally ill homeless man who died after he was beaten by Fullerton police has reached a settlement with the city that will pay her $1 million.
The settlement agreement unanimously approved Tuesday by the Fullerton City Council resolves Cathy Thomas' legal claims against the city regarding the death of her son, Kelly Thomas, 37.
His father says any money he receives will be going to the Kelly Thomas Memorial Fund.
His son died in July 2011, five days after his confrontation with Fullerton Police Department officers.
A Superior Court judge last week found there was enough evidence for Officer Manuel Ramos to stand trial for second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter and Cpl. Jay Cicinelli to face a trial for involuntary manslaughter and excessive force.
The settlement follows that preliminary hearing, during which a 33-minute video and audio recording of the incident was played.
The recordings horrified some people in the gallery immensely who chose to leave the courtroom.
"The blood of Kelly Thomas is on this city," a member of so-called "Kelly's Army" said.
The beating sparked outrage in the community and resulted in an effort to recall three council members in next month's election.
