Well, a jury has finally been picked for the trial of Ramon Ramos and Jay Cicinelli, 2 of the 3 out of 6 of the police charged with the beating death of Kelly Thomas.
Eight women and four men has been chosen to figure out the fates of these alleged peace officers. I really hope that the punishment is swift and harsh for these 2 lost causes. I can hardly imagine these 2 were upstanding officers as even the police laugh at those that get caught and claim its the first time.
Ramos is charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in the death of Thomas. His partner Jay Cicenelli is charged with involuntary man slaughter. Cicenelli used his stun gun to not only jolt Thomas but also as a blunt weapon as he repeatedly drives the butt end into Thomas’ face.
A third officer, Joseph Wolfe, faces involuntary manslaughter charges and will be tried separately. The other 3 officers that were there have no charges against them and presumably still walk the streets protecting all the helpless people.
The defense for Ramos and Cincenelli contends that Thomas brought the beating on himself by not complying with a lawful order! I wonder what this lawful order is? Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas, who will be the trial prosecutor, contends Ramos provoked the assault by snapping on latex gloves and telling Thomas, “Now see my fists? They are getting ready to fuck you up.” Just a crazy guess but, I couldn’t imagine this to be the lawful order? Remember this beating was a 30 minute assault between a homeless man and 2 then 3 and then 6 police officers.
A grainy black-and-white video, which shows a shirtless Thomas being repeatedly struck by police and eventually calling out for help, will likely be the centerpiece of the prosecution’s evidence.
“The partial video of the event doesn’t capture everything, there’s lots of gaps that need to be filled,” Superior Court Judge William R. Froeberg cautioned jurors
One question I have is in relation to a statement that was made by District Attorney Tony Rackauckas. Which is that even if it is a police officer that is beating you there is a point when a person has the right to defend themself. That’s a really great thing to hear. The problem the citizen faces is when is that supposed to happen?
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