Court Challenge Begins to Free Man Exonerated in Dodger Stadium Beating

Attorneys for Giovanni Ramirez filed court papers Wednesday asking for his release from prison.

Ramirez is serving out a 10-month term for a parole violation after being exonerated Friday in the beating of Giants fan Bryan Stow.

J. Christopher Smith told Echo Park Patch that he and Bruce Zucker filed a petition for habeas corpus in Los Angeles Superior Court.

He said the petition challenges a June decision by a  Parole commissioner that found Ramirez violated his parole when a gun was found in the house where he was staying.

Smith also said a motion to introduce sealed exhibits--iincluding the police report from the Stow beating--was also filed.

Police discovered the gun when they raided the home on May 22 to arrest Ramirez as a suspect in the Bryan Stow beating.

“The circumstances around the Dodger Stadium attack helped influence the parole proceedings," Smith said. "Giovanni’s rights were violated. There was no basis for the deputy commissioner’s decision.”

Smith said L.A. Superior Court judge Patricia Sneg has 60 days to review the petition.

He said she is likely to request the Attorney General to respond in an “order to show cause.” Sneg could make a decision based on that. A more formal hearing is also an option.

Smith also said the judge should have the power to make a tentative ruling to release Ramirez right away—even as the proceedings go on.

Smith credited Ramirez attorneys Anthony Brooklier and Jose Romero for their efforts to prove Ramirez's innocence, and said Ramirez is aware that he was exonerated.