The family of 72-year-old Yolanda Ramirez, who died after an interaction with Brentwood police last September, is rejoicing after new developments in the case: the Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office has agreed to conduct a coroner's inquest after an independent autopsy ruled Ramirez's death to be a homicide.
Sunday, May 3, 2026 11:34PMThe family of 72-year-old Yolanda Ramirez, who died after an interaction with Brentwood police last September, is rejoicing after new developments in the case.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office has agreed to conduct a coroner's inquest. The Ramirez family has been fighting for justice for Yolanda since her death and says this latest move is a big step. Police responded to a call over a minor family dispute between Yolanda and her elderly sister. Police say Yolanda attempted to flee and was detained in a police car.
It was ruled to be due to natural causes. But the family believes police body cam video proves that's not what happened.
"The Contra Costa Coroner Medical Examiner determined that my mom died of natural causes, which, I mean, any reasonable person with common sense would not believe that," says Richie Ramirez, Yolanda's son. A second independent autopsy initiated by the Ramirez family determined her cause of death was a homicide as a consequence of police restraint.
Family of Brentwood mom who died in police custody finally see bodycam footage months after request The family fought to get police body cam video released. A redacted version was released in February. They have also been asking for a coroner's inquest to allow a jury to decide the manner of Yolanda's death. The Contra Costa County District Attorney's office finally agreed.
"This was huge. First, I want to thank D.A. Becton for the request, since Brentwood city officials didn't even acknowledge our formal request," Richie said.
"People on that jury are going to see the video and evidence to determine that no, it was not due to natural causes. " "In beginning of 2025, coroner's inquest stopped being mandatory," said Melissa Nold, the family's attorney. "Since 2025 and the policy change, nobody has asked for one. Not her, not a law enforcement agency, and not the attorney general.
" Nold says a coroner's inquest is important for transparency and because it can help determine if they can bring possible criminal charges against the officers. "We don't know that it's going to come up with a different result, but we think that it's important to have these public and transparent procedures and hearings available for community members who have been impacted by police," Nold said.
"The City remains committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring the community is informed as appropriate while respecting the integrity of the investigative process. "Related Topics
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