Another Fullerton officer in Kelly Thomas beating is gone

A second officer involved in the beating that led to the death of Kelly Thomas is no longer working for the city of Fullerton, officials announced Tuesday.

The city issued a statement saying Officer Joe Wolfe’s employment had ended Monday. City officials would not say whether the officer had resigned or was fired, but Ron Thomas, Kelly Thomas’ father, said Acting Police Chief Dan Hughes had told him Wolfe was fired.

Another officer involved in last summer’s beating, Manuel Ramos, left the city’s employment July 3. A source familiar with the city’s actions said the city had initiated termination proceedings against him as well.

Ramos is charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in Kelly Thomas’ death. A second officer, Cpl. Jay Cicinelli, is charged with involuntary manslaughter and excessive use of force. Both have pleaded not guilty.

Wolfe and three other officers involved in the incident have not been charged, but Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas said he hasn’t ruled out filing charges against additional officers.

Thomas’ family and supporters have pushed to have Wolfe charged. Thomas was a mentally ill homeless man and a familiar figure in the city’s downtown. His death sparked protests and political turbulence. “I’m happy Wolfe is fired. He should be fired,” Ron Thomas said. “He needs to be tried and convicted of murder.”

Cicinelli remains on unpaid leave, although the city reportedly has initiated termination proceedings against him, and the other three are on paid administrative leave.