A pair of police officers in Fullerton, Calif., find themselves in the middle of a controversy after a videotape played during a preliminary hearing yesterday (May 7), showing the men beating a mentally ill homeless man to death. In yet another disappointing abuse of power from authorities sworn to protect citizens, the case is starting to gather momentum as the FBI moves in to investigate if the homeless man’s civil rights were violated, reports CNN.
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Manuel Ramos, a 10-year veteran of the Fullerton force, and Cpl. Jay Cicinelli currently face charges of involuntary manslaughter and felony use of excessive force. Although both men have pleaded not guilty in the death of Kelly Thomas (pictured top), the video evidence is both chilling and damning (WARNING: graphic and potentially disturbing images are present in the video.)
The officers are seen on the clip striking Thomas (pictured below after the beating), after warning him to get on the ground. As the officers begin 
to pummel Thomas with crushing blows, another portion of the clip shows Thomas clearly at the mercy of the officers as others begin to pile on top of him as he pleads for mercy. “OK, I’m sorry, dude. I’m sorry!” Thomas yells out as the cops swarm atop, calling for help from his father.
The city’s coroner has ruled Thomas’ death a homicide, saying the man died as a result of his chest being compressed; he was suffocated. Four other officers are also implicated in the death of Thomas, with the case placing an uncomfortable focus on the practices of the Fullerton police department.
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