A dramatic combination of video and voice recordings captured during the beating by Fullerton Police officers of mentally ill transient Kelly Thomas was introduced as evidence Monday in the preliminary hearing for two officers charged with felonies in Thomas’ death.

Orange County District Attorney Tony Rackauckas has said the footage, as well as audio from the officers’ audio recorders, proved crucial to his filing of criminal charges against two of the involved officers.

Officer Manuel Ramos is charged with second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Cpl. Jay Cicinelli faces charges of involuntary manslaughter and excessive use of force.

The beating begins around 15 minutes, 20 seconds into the attached YouTube video.

— NICK GERDA

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