California police manslaughter trial puts spotlight on police brutality (VIDEO)

The trial for two Orange County, Calif. police officers involved in the death of homeless man Kelly Thomas began Monday.

Thomas, who was mentally ill, was confronted by six Fullerton police officers in 2011.


Surveillance video shows the officers beating Thomas with their fists and the butts of their guns, and tasing him at least four times.


Thomas died of his injuries.

Now Officer Manuel Ramos is on trial for second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter, while former Corporal Jay Cicinelli has been charged with involuntary manslaughter and excessive force.


A third officer, Joseph Wolfe, will face trial in late January.


RT's Sam Sacks takes a look at how the Thomas case has put the spotlight on other incidents of police brutality around the country, with one important difference.