Kelly Thomas' father 'totally disgusted' by Kern County beating
"Ron Thomas said he understood exactly what they were going through: "It's like, my God. I know how you feel. I really do."
Kelly Thomas, a mentally ill homeless man, died after being beaten by Fullerton police in 2011. David Sal Silva died last week after an encounter with Kern County sheriff's deputies, and authorities there are investigating the matter.
"I was just totally disgusted," Ron Thomas said of his reaction to the Kern County incident. "This totally disgusted me."
He also had advice based on his own experience, recommending the family "immediately" get the investigation to the district attorney or state attorney general's office, reach out to potential witnesses, and ramp up public pressure.
"If there's no pressure, there's no result," Ron Thomas said. "They would not have done it in Fullerton -- look at all the changes in Fullerton. I was a thorn in the side constantly and made them do their job."
Kelly Thomas' death roiled the Orange County community, prompting protests, memorials and a recall election as the incident drew international attention.
Three former members of the Fullerton police now face criminal charges in the death, including one officer who is accused of second-degree murder. Police Chief Michael F. Sellers took a medical leave amid calls for his resignation. He eventually stepped down.
Three City Council members perceived as protecting the embattled Police Department were ousted in a recall, and at one point the City Council considered disbanding the department and handing over law-enforcement authority to the sheriff.
Ron Thomas said the Kern County incident brought up memories of his son's case.
"It's very tough," he said. "I just happen to be in a whirl right now -- if I slow down, I'll get choked up."
"We've got to stop this," he said later. "We the people have got to stop this."
http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-ron-thomas-kern-county-20130514,0,5291270.story
