Settlement in post-arrest death of mentally ill homeless man

Source: AP

By GILLIAN FLACCUS

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — The city of Fullerton, California, said Monday that it reached a settlement in the death of a mentally ill homeless man who died after a violent arrest that brought national scrutiny to the suburban university town.

The city agreed to pay $4.9 million on the morning that opening statements were to begin in the wrongful death lawsuit, said Ron Thomas, the father of the late Kelly Thomas.

He declined further comment in advance of a news conference scheduled for later in the day.

In a statement posted on its website, the city said it had reached a deal but added that it was not final until approved by its insurers. The city did not specify an amount.

FULL story at link.


FILE - In this July 5, 2012, file photo, Ron Thomas, the father of Kelly Thomas, stands at a news conference in Los Angeles. Thomas, the father of a homeless and schizophrenic son, sued the Southern California city of Fullerton on alleging that a brutal beating by police officers led to his son Kelly's wrongful death. The city of Fullerton, California, said Monday, Nov. 23, 2015, it reached a settlement in the death of a Kelly Thomas, who died after a violent arrest . Ron Thomas said Monday that the settlement amount was $4.9 million. City Attorney Dick Jones told reporters the deal needs to be approved by insurers. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes, File)

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