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Orange County Line

The Death of Kelly Thomas, 5 Years Later

Gustavo Arellano on what's changed and what hasn't after the beating death of a homeless man in Fullerton.

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By Gustavo Arellano • Jul 12, 2016 • 3m Listen

Five years ago this past week, Kelly Thomas died from injuries sustained after getting beat up by Fullerton police officers. The death, and subsequent trial, received worldwide attention and served as a precursor of sorts to the controversy surrounding officer-involved shootings and beatings that's sparked a lot of nationwide soul-searching this summer. Just this weekend, multiple rallies were held across Orange County: vigils for those killed by police, protest against deaths in Fullerton and Anaheim, and more. Police departments say they've reformed in the wake of Thomas' death—but does the Orange County public trust the changes?

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Gustavo Arellano

    columnist, LA Times

  • https://images.ctfassets.net/2658fe8gbo8o/AvYox6VuEgcxpd20Xo9d3/769bca4fbf97bf022190f4813812c1e2/new-default.jpg?h=250

    Benjamin Gottlieb

    Reporter, Fill-in Host

    CultureNewsOrange County
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