Foto de arquivo de 1998 mostra Kelly Thomas com a família antes de ir para as ruas
Foto: AP
Foto: AP
Dois policiais foram acusados nesta quarta-feira pela morte de um morador de rua com problemas mentais no Sul da Califórnia. Kelly Thomas, 37 anos, que sofria de esquizofrenia, foi espancado e atingido repetidas vezes por coronhadas na cabeça até a morte, após se envolver em uma confusão com policiais.
O incidente ocorreu no dia 5 de julho quando agentes investigavam denúncias de arrombamento de veículos nas ruas. As autoridades informaram que Thomas foi abordado e correu após os policiais pedirem para revistar sua bolsa. Os agentes tentaram prendê-lo e uma luta teve início. O morador de rua sofreu ferimentos graves na cabeça e no pescoço, e morreu cinco dias depois.
O oficial Manuel Ramos foi acusado de assassinato em segundo grau e homicídio involuntário. Já o colega Jay Cicinelli enfrenta acusação por homicídio involuntário e uso de força excessiva.
Tony Rackauckas, promotor do Condado de Orange, informou que Thomas agiu "em legítima defesa, sob dor e em estado de pânico". Segundo ele, "seus apelos numerosos de 'Sinto muito', 'Eu não consigo respirar' e 'Me ajude pai'" não foram ouvidos. O advogado disse que os policiais podem usar a força no cumprimento da lei, mas os cidadãos também têm o direito de legítima-defesa, mesmo contra a polícia.
Kelly Thomas vivia nas ruas, embora recebesse algum apoio da família e dos amigos. Os registros médicos apresentados pelo pai indicam que ele sofreu fraturas no rosto, se engasgou com o próprio sangue e foi repetidamente atingido por coronhadas. Seis policiais foram afastados do trabalho até a conclusão das investigações.
USA: Police officers are accused of beating and killing homeless man September 21, 2011 • 17.52 • updated at 18h09 comments
1998 file photo shows Thomas Kelly with his family before going to the streets Photo: AP Reduce Normal Increase Print Two police officers were charged Wednesday by the death of a homeless mentally ill in Southern California. Thomas Kelly, 37, who suffered from schizophrenia, was beaten and repeatedly hit in the head by a rifle butt to death after being involved in a scuffle with police. The incident occurred on July 5 when agents investigating allegations of burglary of vehicles on the streets. Authorities said Thomas was approached and ran after the police asked to search her purse. The agents tried to arrest him and a fight began. The homeless man suffered serious injuries in the head and neck, and died five days later. The officer Manuel Ramos was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. But the colleague Jay Cicinelli faces prosecution for involuntary manslaughter and use of excessive force. Tony Rackauckas, Orange County prosecutor, said that Thomas had acted "in self-defense, in pain and in a state of panic."According to him, "his numerous appeals 'Sorry', 'I can not breathe' and 'Help me father,'" went unheeded. The lawyer said that police officers may use force in enforcing the law, but citizens also have the right of self-defense, even against the police. Kelly Thomas lived on the streets, but received some support from family and friends. Medical records submitted by the parent indicates that he suffered fractures of the face, choked on his blood and was repeatedly hit by rifle butts. Six police officers were out of work until the completion of investigations.
USA: Police officers are accused of beating and killing homeless man September 21, 2011 • 17.52 • updated at 18h09 comments
1998 file photo shows Thomas Kelly with his family before going to the streets Photo: AP Reduce Normal Increase Print Two police officers were charged Wednesday by the death of a homeless mentally ill in Southern California. Thomas Kelly, 37, who suffered from schizophrenia, was beaten and repeatedly hit in the head by a rifle butt to death after being involved in a scuffle with police. The incident occurred on July 5 when agents investigating allegations of burglary of vehicles on the streets. Authorities said Thomas was approached and ran after the police asked to search her purse. The agents tried to arrest him and a fight began. The homeless man suffered serious injuries in the head and neck, and died five days later. The officer Manuel Ramos was charged with second-degree murder and manslaughter. But the colleague Jay Cicinelli faces prosecution for involuntary manslaughter and use of excessive force. Tony Rackauckas, Orange County prosecutor, said that Thomas had acted "in self-defense, in pain and in a state of panic."According to him, "his numerous appeals 'Sorry', 'I can not breathe' and 'Help me father,'" went unheeded. The lawyer said that police officers may use force in enforcing the law, but citizens also have the right of self-defense, even against the police. Kelly Thomas lived on the streets, but received some support from family and friends. Medical records submitted by the parent indicates that he suffered fractures of the face, choked on his blood and was repeatedly hit by rifle butts. Six police officers were out of work until the completion of investigations.