The Fullerton Community and beyond is reacting quite strongly from the news that Kelly Thomas was beaten to death by the Fullerton Police on July 5th. I wrote about the incident in this diary on Friday but they incident had been covered locally for weeks. (if you want to learn more, please go to the previous diary for background).
Another development in the story is that Ron Thomas, Kelly's father has been offered a settlement of $900,000 as if that can make this any better.
The FBI and the Orange County District Attorney are investigating the death, and separately, an attorney representing the city on Friday offered $900,000 to resolve the civil side of the case, Ron Thomas said.
Thomas first disclosed the possible six-figure deal on the Jon and Ken Show at KFI-AM 640. Neither city officials nor the attorney could be reached for comment, and the offer could not be confirmed.
Ron Thomas said he is considering accepting the payment, and that the money would primarily go to a foundation set up in Kelly Thomas' name to assist the homeless. Some money would go to Kelly Thomas' brother and sister and their children, Ron Thomas said.
By the way, the article states:
Kelly Thomas had a long list of run-ins with police. His convictions were mostly misdemeanors and infractions but include felony assault with a deadly weapon.
What the writer fails to mention is that the felony assault was about many years old and was related to when Kelly first showed signs of mental illness when he was first diagnosed. The rest of his crimes were harmless and he had been deemed as harmless for years.
The OC Weekly covered the candle light vigil. 'Justice For Kelly' Chanted at Vigil For Fullerton Police Brutality Victim
A little after 8 p.m. tonight, scores of people holding candles and representing a cross section of society gathered around the flag pole in front of the Fullerton City Hall.
They chanted "Justice for Kelly!"
That would be Kelly Thomas, a 37-year-old homeless man who was beaten to death by six Fullerton police officers earlier this month.
Local TV news reporters milled through the crowd as cars zipped by on Commonwealth Avenue honking loudly in support of the quiet protest against police brutality.
It was a relatively subdued continuation of this morning's protest that attracted hundreds of outraged local citizens. During tonight's vigil, Ron Thomas--the victim's father and a former Orange County Sheriff's deputy--stood inside a massive human circle and announced he would return Tuesday night for Fullerton's City Council meeting.
"I'm inviting all of you to come," he said. "I think we have something to say."
A lot of people have something to say about this, since Kelly can no longer speak for himself, he was left unconscious and died without ever regaining consciousnesses again. Others will have to speak for him.
As for the City Council, I know one city council person, Sharon Quirk-Silva. She's smart, brave and outspoken. She is an important voice in Orange County Politics, we need more of her.
I wanted to share her statement relating to Kelly Thomas's death.
To Fullerton Community Members,
As a member of the Fullerton City Council, and a mother, I am deeply disturbed by this tragic event. I am so sorry that this has happened in the city of Fullerton. I have talked to Mr. Ron Thomas to express my sympathy. I have "demanded", that all 6 officers be placed on Admin. leave and that we fully investigate this incident.
I have asked for detailed accounts of this event and to see the video and release the video.
As a leader in Fullerton, I know that it is our job to be transparent, accountable, and to serve and protect our citizens.
More than anything, I am committed to finding justice for Kelly Thomas.
As a mother, I can only imagine the sheer pain that the family must be enduring right now. Not only loosing a son, but dealing with such a horrifying death.
My thought and prayers are with the Thomas Family and our community at this difficult time.
Council Member Sharon Quirk-Silva
Thank you Sharon for saying something. Many, from residents of Fullerton, to those who are far away, await for justice for Kelly. If you want to keep up to date and push for justice for Kelly, here is the Facebook Group, A Memorial and Call to Action For Kelly Thomas, I was added to this group, I guess as an outspoken resident of Orange County, it was bound to happen. You can join too.