A judge is expected to weigh whether there's enough evidence to proceed with a trial for two California police officers charged with the beating death of a mentally ill homeless man, a case that has drawn protest from some Santa Ana residents.
Prosecutors are expected to lay out their case against Officer Manuel Ramos and Cpl. Jay Cicinelli at a preliminary hearing Monday in Superior Court in Santa Ana.
Prosecutors say the officers are responsible for the death of 37-year-old Kelly Thomas during an investigation of reported car burglaries at a Fullerton transit hub in July.
Ramos has pleaded not guilty to second degree murder and involuntary manslaughter. Cicinelli has pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter and excessive force.
The incident was captured on video by a bystander's cell-phone and provoked an outcry by residents.
John Barnett, Ramos' attorney, said he expected prosecutors would show video footage of the incident at the hearing but did not believe it would constitute sufficient evidence to try the officers on homicide charges.
