I know I don’t blog here all too much anymore… but I’m surprised it took me this long to remember to blog about this.

A most heinous act happened in Fullerton, CA in July. A homeless man with schizophrenia was ruthlessly beaten to death by 6 Fullerton Police officers. The officers, who said they were responding to suspicion of stolen items from a car, are claimed to have hogtied Thomas, beat him with the butt of a tazer until blood squirted up on their arms, and drop-knee kick him, crushing his neck. I won’t post the picture here, it’s pretty graffic. You’re welcome to check it out on Fullerton’s Future. Actually, just read the whole blog. It’s obviously slanted with a “distrust political authority” slant, but the facts are dead on about the beating: the officers have been placed on administrative (read: paid) leave, but it took 3 weeks before the public outcry lead this investigation to continue. I won’t go into all the details, but it sounds too hard to deny there has been an intense effort on behalf of Fullerton Police Department to cover up this crime. Without the impassioned, outraged cries of the public, it’s uncertain if this would have ever been responded to in a human manner. To quote Kelly’s father, all that may have been left of his son would be “the blood in the gutters.”

I post about this because I am saddened on so many levels. First, it’s inexcusable for police– who “serve and protect”– to have enough power to beat any suspect senseless. They are not the executors or punishment. Kelly, regardless of his innocence or guilt, deserved a proper trial. Even hardened, violent criminals deserve a trial. Even these 6 officers who beat Thomas deserve a trial. Regardless, the punishment for stealing from cars is not DEATH.

Yet it’s undeniable that there is punishment for being homeless, or having a mental illness. Because, let’s face it, that was probably the true crime here. Kelly Thomas was homeless, potentially smelly from having been out in the elements, maybe exhibiting symptoms without having had his medications… and apparently the crime was worthy of death to those officers. How despicable.

Obviously, this crime outrages me. I can’t even write straight about it.

But I write today to ask you to do something.

No matter where in the world you are… Fullerton, Long Beach, San Fransciso, New York, London… you can make it known this is unacceptable.

1. You can “like” the Justice for Kelly Thomas page on Facebook to show your support of justice.

2. If you’re in the area, you can attend the protests outside the Fullerton Police Department every Saturday at 9AM until action is taken against those responsible.

3. You can do your part to refute stigma as you see it around you.

Thank you. I trust you to see justice comes forth from this tragic death. Justice for Kelly Thomas, justice for others in his company, justice for those in your community. Thank you, thank you.

Filed under: Homelessness, Mental Health Tagged: beating, Fullerton, homeless, Homelessness, Kelly Thomas, murder, news, police, schizophrenia