Vigil Planned To Mark 2-Year Anniversary Of Kelly Thomas' Death
FULLERTON (CBSLA.com) — Kelly Thomas' father spoke out Friday on the two-year anniversary of an altercation with Fullerton police that allegedly led to his son's death.
Ron Thomas told KNX 1070 Newsradio that a vigil will be held at 7 p.m. at the scene of the clash that allegedly resulted in Thomas' death five days later.
"There will be a vigil … a gathering and just remembering Kelly on this two-year anniversary, if you will. It's a very sad time for us, of course. A couple sleepless nights last couple nights just bringing it all back," he said.
Vigil Planned To Mark 2-Year Anniversary Of Kelly Thomas' Death
The 37-year-old Thomas, who suffered from schizophrenia, was allegedly severely beaten by several officers on July 5, 2011. He died days later at a hospital following that encounter.
"First charges filed. Cops are going to court for a murder trial which is positive in October. A lot of policy procedures have been changed. But again, there's been things that haven't been done yet," Thomas said. "None of it brings him back at all."
Since Kelly's death, the elder Thomas said the most significant development for his family was when Fullerton Police Chief Dan Hughes cleared his son of any wrongdoing in his violent arrest.
"In other words, he was just a citizen in the parking lot not doing anything wrong at all," he said.
A trial in connection with Thomas' death is expected to begin in October. Manuel Ramos, 38, and Jay Cicinelli, 40, have been charged in Thomas' death along with Joe Wolfe.
