Friends, family and other supporters of Kelly Thomas gathered at the site Thursday where he was beaten to death by police officers in July to celebrate his birthday. He would have turned 38.
More than two dozen people, including Acting Chief Danny Hughes and Councilman Bruce Whitaker, joined the Thomas family in celebrating his life with song, balloons and birthday cake.
After they sang “Happy Birthday” to Kelly, well-wishers released a plethora balloons in the sky as part of the celebration of his life. His father Ron thanked supporters and Kelly’s Army for their long-standing support and touted the positive things in the aftermath of Kelly’s death.
“The city is coming around, things are really happening in a positive direction,” he said, thanking Hughes for his efforts.
Ron hinted that they may return to protesting soon.
“There are a lot of issues that are unresolved, so if that’s what we need to do, we’ll go back out there and do it,” he told the crowd.
A hearing for Officers Jay Cicinelli and Manuel Ramos, the two officers charged in the beating death of Kelly Thomas, is scheduled for May 7.
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