Closing arguments for Calif. cops in homeless death

SANTA ANA, Calif. – Closing arguments are scheduled to begin Tuesday in the case against two former Fullerton police officers accused of beating and killing homeless man Kelly Thomas in 2011.  

Manuel Ramos, 39, is charged with one count of second-degree murder and one count of involuntary manslaughter.  Jay Cicinelli, 41, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and excessive use of force.  Both men, no longer officers of the law, have pleaded not guilty. 

This is the first time a police officer has been charged with murder for actions taken while on duty in Orange County. 

Thomas’ death spurred local activism not long after the 33-minute surveillance footage surfaced, and the controversy has already produced the recall of three city council members and the resignation of the Fullerton Chief of Police.  District Attorney Tony Rackauckas is heading up the case for the prosecution.

The defense has argued that, due to his long history of mental illness and drug abuse resulting in poor health, Thomas’ death cannot be attributed to the former officers.  Attorneys for the defense also called Thomas’ mother and maternal grandfather as hostile witnesses during the course of the trial.