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.
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.