More than 300 demonstrators waving signs, demanding “Justice for Kelly,” and chanting “release the tape” protested the death of mentally ill drifter Kelly Thomas, outside the Fullerton Police Department headquarters on Saturday.

The demonstration, one of several in recent weeks, was a sign of growing outrage in the community over the beating death of Thomas, who was known to many in the downtown area.

Thomas, 37, died on July 10, five days after he was beaten during a struggle with six police officers at the city’s bus terminal. Both the Orange County District Attorney’s office and the FBI are investigating, and the officers, initially allowed to remain on duty, were put on administrative leave last week.

— NICK GERDA

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