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Kelly ThomasHomeless American who died after a conflict with police
Date of Birth: 05.04.1974
Country:  USA |
Content:
Biography of Kelly Thomas
Kelly Thomas, a homeless American, died after an unexpected conflict with the police on the streets of Fullerton, California, where he had been living for several years. Born on April 5, 1974, Kelly Thomas grew up in a family of law enforcement, with his father, Ron Thomas, being a police officer in California. As a teenager, Kelly began experiencing mental disorders, which later developed into schizophrenia. Forced treatment did not yield any results, and his relationship with his family became strained to the point that he decided to live on the streets, joining a community of homeless individuals that grew each year.
Life on the Streets
Kelly quickly became known in the small town, and surprisingly, the residents had a favorable attitude towards him. The only issue for the homeless community was the police, who not only crossed the line justified by the protection of the city's residents but also openly harassed and conducted weekly raids on their living spaces. Homeless individuals occasionally committed petty crimes such as shoplifting and rare robberies, but nothing out of the ordinary. These actions, however, did not explain the 92 times Thomas was arrested during his life on the streets.
The Tragic Incident
On July 5, 2011, police received a call from a store owner reporting that someone, later identified as Kelly, was attempting to break into a car. When the police arrived at the scene, Thomas, in his usual disrespectful manner, began arguing with them. However, the police officers' reaction far exceeded the punishment for the crime he had not yet committed. After calling for backup, the officers spent 30 minutes beating the restrained and handcuffed arrestee, using a taser five times, breaking numerous bones, and delivering blows that resulted in severe head injuries and a coma. According to the doctors who treated Thomas, it was one of the most horrifying sights they had seen during their years of work at the hospital.
Reaction and Aftermath
Kelly Thomas was disconnected from life support and passed away within minutes, five days after being admitted to the hospital. On the same day, a demonstration took place in front of the police department building, which was broadcasted on national channels. Shortly after, a video recorded by an external surveillance camera surfaced on the internet, clearly showing the irrational actions of the police officers. During the trial, the police officers were acquitted, which sparked widespread dissatisfaction in America and reignited protests in the city where the crime occurred. The compromise reached was the dismissal of two officers, whose innocence was under the greatest scrutiny by the court. It was only two years later, in early 2014, that one of the officers was convicted of murder.
