Law murky on release of police names in death

SANTA ANA, Calif. (AP) — Southern California authorities’ decision to withhold the names of police officers involved in a violent confrontation with a mentally ill man has raised questions about transparency.

Kelly Thomas, who was homeless and suffered from schizophrenia, died July 10 after a confrontation with Fullerton police.

Experts said Friday the law is murky on whether officers’ names should be disclosed and every department handles things differently.

A number of lawsuits dealing with similar issues are in court right now around California.

None of the Fullerton officers have been arrested and no charges have been filed against them.

Ken Julian, a former federal prosecutor, says names of suspects are generally not made public until charges are filed.