Two Fullerton police officers entered a not guilty plea today in the death of Kelly Thomas, a schizophrenic, homeless man who died in July 2011 after an encounter with the police.
Manuel Ramos and Jay Cicinelli entered pleas of not guilty before Superior Court Judge Patrick Doane. A trial setting conference has been set for July 27 before Judge William Froeberg.
Ramos is charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Cicinelli is charged with involuntary manslaughter and excessive use of force under color of authority. Both are free on bail.
Case Barnett, who stood in for his father John at the arriagnment, said that there would be a separate hearing at a later date to bring a motion forward to dismiss charges against both officers.
District Attorney Tony Rackauckas was present at the arraignment and said that a motion to dismiss would not surprise him.
"There are always motions to dismiss in criminal cases," he added.
Rackauckas expects the trial to last 6-8 weeks and added that an investigation is still ongoing against other officers on the scene that evening.
Ron Thomas, the father of Kelly Thomas, was also present at the arraignment, along with Kelly's Army members and said that he felt good about the progression of the case.
"It's a good day," Thomas said. "I feel good about [the case]."
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