01-05-2014, 01:19 PM
The trial is winding down.
![[Image: 187x105]](http://www.trbimg.com/img-529de579/turbine/la-me-1203-kelly-thomas-20131203/187/187x105)
Set-back for the Defense / Testimony Stricken
The judge ruled that personnel files for Ramos and Cicinelli be released to the prosecution. Prosecutors wanted the files in order to challenge two defense witnesses who testified that the officers had not violated procedure and had acted appropriately when restraining Kelly. That testimony opened the door for prosecutors to introduce the personnel files.
Instead of presenting any disciplinary actions noted in the files to dispute the defense witnesses testimony, it's expected that both sides will agree to instruct jurors to disregard the testimony of those defense witnesses altogether. Jury instructions are being drafted now.
New Prosecution Witness / Heart Expert
On Monday, the prosecution is expected to call an expert medical witness from UCLA Medical Center to refute the defense's medical expert. The defense is contending that Kelly died due to an enlarged heart brought upon by years of drug use. The prosecution contends that Kelly died as a result of chest compressions resulting from the officers' brutish tactics with Kelly when they restrained him.
Ref: www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-kelly-thomas-case-20140103,0,6007483.story#axzz2pXnMJDhs
I'm nervous about the outcome. I think the prosecution has the upper hand with the video of the beating and based on testimony thus far. But, the testimony of Kelly's family members about violent encounters with him may have scored points for the defense in their attempt to vilify Kelly and justify Ramos and Cicinelli's actions.
Set-back for the Defense / Testimony Stricken
The judge ruled that personnel files for Ramos and Cicinelli be released to the prosecution. Prosecutors wanted the files in order to challenge two defense witnesses who testified that the officers had not violated procedure and had acted appropriately when restraining Kelly. That testimony opened the door for prosecutors to introduce the personnel files.
Instead of presenting any disciplinary actions noted in the files to dispute the defense witnesses testimony, it's expected that both sides will agree to instruct jurors to disregard the testimony of those defense witnesses altogether. Jury instructions are being drafted now.
New Prosecution Witness / Heart Expert
On Monday, the prosecution is expected to call an expert medical witness from UCLA Medical Center to refute the defense's medical expert. The defense is contending that Kelly died due to an enlarged heart brought upon by years of drug use. The prosecution contends that Kelly died as a result of chest compressions resulting from the officers' brutish tactics with Kelly when they restrained him.
Ref: www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-kelly-thomas-case-20140103,0,6007483.story#axzz2pXnMJDhs
I'm nervous about the outcome. I think the prosecution has the upper hand with the video of the beating and based on testimony thus far. But, the testimony of Kelly's family members about violent encounters with him may have scored points for the defense in their attempt to vilify Kelly and justify Ramos and Cicinelli's actions.