LAPD Officer Convicted in Woman's 2012 Death
Melanie Eversley, USA TODAY 10:28 p.m. EDT
June 5, 2015
A Los Angeles police officer accused of kicking a woman in the groin during a 2012 arrest was convicted Friday of assault under cover of authority.
The assault by Officer Mary O'Callaghan was captured on police cruiser camera. In the video, the officer jabs at Alesia Thomas' throat, and threatens to break her arms and kick her in the genitals, according to the Los Angeles Times. Thomas later lost consciousness and died.
The video also captured Thomas, 35, repeatedly saying, "I can't." An ambulance was not called for her until 30 minutes after she requested one, according to the Times.
The prosecution told jurors the video showed O'Callaghan kicking the woman in the groin, but defense attorney Robert Rico balked at that, saying the video showed O'Callaghan pushing Thomas with her boot.
Thomas' family members said they were gratified with the verdict.
"Our family is pleased that the officer was convicted on the charge that was brought by the Los Angeles District Attorney," a statement released by the family read. "This is another step in the continued struggle to obtain full justice for her children. For the past 34 months, we have fought for America to see how our loved one, Alesia Thomas, died in the custody of LAPD. Our family prays that the unedited video will be released soon."
June 5, 2015
A Los Angeles police officer accused of kicking a woman in the groin during a 2012 arrest was convicted Friday of assault under cover of authority.
The assault by Officer Mary O'Callaghan was captured on police cruiser camera. In the video, the officer jabs at Alesia Thomas' throat, and threatens to break her arms and kick her in the genitals, according to the Los Angeles Times. Thomas later lost consciousness and died.
The video also captured Thomas, 35, repeatedly saying, "I can't." An ambulance was not called for her until 30 minutes after she requested one, according to the Times.
The prosecution told jurors the video showed O'Callaghan kicking the woman in the groin, but defense attorney Robert Rico balked at that, saying the video showed O'Callaghan pushing Thomas with her boot.
Thomas' family members said they were gratified with the verdict.
"Our family is pleased that the officer was convicted on the charge that was brought by the Los Angeles District Attorney," a statement released by the family read. "This is another step in the continued struggle to obtain full justice for her children. For the past 34 months, we have fought for America to see how our loved one, Alesia Thomas, died in the custody of LAPD. Our family prays that the unedited video will be released soon."
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