Former Fullerton Police Officer Charged in Kelly Thomas Case

A third former Fullerton police officer was charged Thursday in the beating and death of a mentally ill homeless man in July 2011.

A third police officer involved in death of Kelly Thomas was charged Thursday. (Photo courtsy of the Associated Press).

Former officer Joseph Wolfe was arraigned on felony counts of involuntary manslaughter and excessive force.

Kelly Thomas, 37, was killed during a violent confrontation with police who were called to the scene on reports of car burglaries on July 5, 2011.

Although a video of the beating identifies Wolfe as the first officer to strike Thomas, his arraignment came nearly a year after the case's first two suspects were charged.

Manual Ramos was charged in September 2011 with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter and Jay Cicinelli was charged with involuntary manslaughter and excessive force.

A total of six officers were involved in the beating and killing of Thomas, and so far three of them have been charged.

A district attorney spokeswoman says Wolfe pleaded not guilty to the charges.