The Fullerton officer charged with murder in the death of Kelly Thomas was released from jail early Thursday after posting bond.
Manuel Ramos, one of six officers involved in the deadly confrontation with Thomas July 5 at a Fullerton bus depot, was charged earlier this month with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Ramos pleaded not guilty and his bail was set at $1 million after a plea in court from Kelly Thomas' father that bail not be reduced.
The 10-year Fullerton PD veteran posted bail early Thursday morning, according to court records.
Thomas died five days after the altercation.
Ramos has been characterized as the officer who set in motion a chain of events that led to Thomas' death, according to the district attorney. Ramos was the first officer to encounter Thomas, a homeless man who suffered from mental illness, July 5 at a Fullerton bus depot, according to DA Tony Rackauckas.
During the arrest, Ramos showed Thomas his fists and said, "Now see my fists? They are getting ready to 'f' you up," Rackauckas said when he announced the charges last week. Other officers, including Cicinell, then arrived and struck Thomas' head and body as he cried out for his father, according to the DA's account
Ramos has been incarcerated at the Intake Release Center in Santa Ana, said sheriff's Lt. Mike Peters. His attorney, John D. Barnett, said Ramos "is not guilty of murder, manslaughter or any other crime.'' Ramos was attempting to "de- escalate'' the situation when he allegedly shook his fists at Thomas, Barnett said.
A second officer, Jay Cicinelli, posted bail and also is due back in court Nov. 4. He was charged with involuntary manslaughter and use of excessive force. He also pleaded not guilty.
Four other officers involved in Thomas' arrest will not face criminal charges. All six officers are on administrative leave.
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