Choose Thomas, the peaceful but crazy guy beaten to death by Downey California police officers.
I hear you, I’m sure he was maybe like some of the folks I’ve known.
But it seems clear the author is looking for a well known person. I can’t really think of anyone off the top of my head, but I’m sure there are folks who would qualify.
Too bad, so many peaceful loonies end up dead, yet the murderous Manson is still alive. That seems wrong. (Getting off topic here, I realize.)