Editor’s note: Ron Thomas’s son, Kelly Thomas, died after a July 2011 beating by Fullerton police, who were acquitted by a local jury earlier this year.  On Thursday, the third anniversary of his son’s death, Ron Thomas sent the following to reporters:

Reflecting about my son…………

Dear Son, It was three years ago today in the late afternoon that we took you off of life support. It was a very, very sad and emotional day. A day that I, we will never forget. After you took your last breath on your own, lying in a pool of your own blood, your heart stopped, your eyes closed and you never regained conciseness. I will never give up my fight for you Kelly. Those who are responsible for your murder will not get away with it. This I promise you.

Always in my thoughts and my heart.

Love

Dad……………….

Since you've made it this far,

You are obviously connected to your community and value good journalism. As an independent and local nonprofit, our news is accessible to all, regardless of what they can afford. Our newsroom centers on Orange County’s civic and cultural life, not ad-driven clickbait. Our reporters hold powerful interests accountable to protect your quality of life. But it’s not free to produce. It depends on donors like you.

Join the conversation: In lieu of comments, we encourage readers to engage with us across a variety of mediums. Join our Facebook discussion. Message us via our website or staff page. Send us a secure tip. Share your thoughts in a community opinion piece.