Father Of Man Beaten To Death By Fullerton Police To Have Night Of 'Reflection'

FULLERTON (CBSLA.com)  —    Ron Thomas, father of Kelly Thomas -- the homeless man beaten to death by Fullerton Police -- will gather where his son was killed Saturday night for a night of "gathering and reflection."

Tonight marks the first time Thomas has organized a memorial since the three police officers charged in the beating were cleared by a jury.

The fatal beating occurred three years ago Saturday.

"This year's different. What's not on my mind right now is the criminal trial or how it might turn out, working with the District Attorney, all these things that consumed me 24-7," Thomas told City News Service.

"That's no longer part of the equation so things are just different for me now. I've started working full-time again, I still have the civil case (against the City of Fullerton) and the possibility the feds will file charges," he added.

Federal authorities said soon after the officers were acquitted that a rights case would be reviewed against former Fullerton Officer Manuel Ramos and ex-Cpl. Jay Cicinelli. Prosecutors dropped charges against former Officer Joe Wolfe.

Thomas' attorney is pushing for a deposition of Ramos in the civil suit, which has a December trial date. The former officer is seeking immunity from federal prosecutors, Thomas alleged.

Ron Thomas expects a big turnout for the gathering in his son's honor.

"People are coming in from Arizona, Oregon, they're coming in from all over the place, just to kind of regroup and move forward the best we can," Thomas said.

Thomas said he will be at the bus depot (120 E. Santa Fe Ave.) beginning at 6 p.m.

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