Calif. Officers Face Hearing In Death of Homeless Man

The two Fullerton (Calif.) Police officers charged in the fatal beating of a homeless man faced the first day of a preliminary hearing today. The hearing will determine whether there is enough evidence for a trial of the officers.

On the first day of the hearing, Orange County prosecutors showed the bloody face of Kelly Thomas, the homeless man beaten by six Fullerton officers. The department's forensic technician testified that a TASER had been used on Thomas, reports the Los Angeles Times .

Prosecutors also plan to show video captured by a camera at a transit station July 5, 2011 capturing the beating, reports the Los Angeles Times .

Fullerton PD's Cpl. Jay Cicinelli and Officer Manuel Ramos have pleaded not guilty. Ramos was charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Cicinelli was charged with involuntary manslaughter and using excessive force. The officers are on administrative leave from the department.

On the eve of the hearing, Thomas' father Ron told KTLA he wants a third officer, Joseph Wolfe, charged in the case.

Related:

Two Calif. Cops Face Felony Charges In Beating Death

Six Calif. Officers Involved In Fatal Beating Suspended