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Which Way, L.A.?

Investigation of Kelly Thomas Beating by Fullerton Police

Two Fullerton police officers face criminal charges in last July's beating death of Kelly Thomas , who was homeless and mentally ill. In the aftermath, police officials released a two-year old booking photo of Thomas, looking dirty and disheveled with long, shaggy hair.

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By Warren Olney • May 12, 2014 • 1 min read

Two Fullerton police officers face criminal charges in last July's beating death of Kelly Thomas, who was homeless and mentally ill. In the aftermath, police officials released a two-year old booking photo of Thomas, looking dirty and disheveled with long, shaggy hair. They also said he had a history of violence, and that two officers had suffered broken bones during the deadly altercation. Neither turned out to be true. Community leaders and local activists accused the police of trying to win sympathy for their accused colleagues, and the City Council hired watchdog attorney Michael Gennaco to conduct an independent investigation. We hear from him and from Thomas' father, Ron, who has been highly critical of the Fullerton police.

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    Warren Olney

    former KCRW broadcaster

  • KCRW placeholder

    Karen Radziner

    Managing Producer, To the Point & Which Way LA?

  • Sonya Geis with wavy brown hair wearing a black dress with red accents and decorative earrings against a white background.

    Sonya Geis

    Senior Managing Editor

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    Caitlin Shamberg

    KCRW

  • KCRW placeholder

    Michael Gennaco

    Justice Department (formerly)

  • KCRW placeholder

    Ron Thomas

    father of Kelly Thomas

    News
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