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Comment by truth on September 29, 2011 at 5:02pm

Police officer charged with murder posts $1M bail

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — A police officer charged with killing a mentally ill, homeless man during a violent arrest posted $1 million bail Thursday and was released from custody, his attorney said.

Fullerton Officer Manuel Ramos, 37, made bail with the help of family and friends and also posted some property toward the bail amount, said attorney John Barnett. He would not say who assisted Ramos or to whom the property belonged.

"He's just relieved to be out," Barnett said.

In California, defendants can often post 10 percent of bail, called a premium, to secure their release.

Ramos has pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and involuntary manslaughter in the killing of 37-year-old Kelly Thomas in a July 5 fight that involved five other officers.

Another officer, Cpl. Jay Cicinelli, pleaded not guilty to charges of involuntary manslaughter and excessive use of force and is free on $25,000 bail.

The other four officers were not charged but remain on paid administrative leave

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