Family, friends demand answers after woman dies days after Brentwood police encounter - Local News Matters

Family members and advocates gathered at Brentwood City Hall to demand justice for Yolanda Ramirez, 72, who died following a police encounter. Her son, Ricardo Ramirez, expressed frustration over the Brentwood Police Department's (BPD) statement, which claimed she fled the scene, a claim contradicted by eyewitnesses. The family's attorney, Melissa Nold, filed a claim against the city, alleging that officers used excessive force, slamming Yolanda against a patrol car and failing to inform medics about her head injury. After the September 26 incident, she was hospitalized for a brain bleed and passed away on October 3. Nold criticized the BPD for not interviewing witnesses, asserting that her legal team was the first to do so.

The BPD stated it would release body camera footage as required by California law, which mandates release within 45 days of an incident. The Contra Costa District Attorney has opened an investigation, with a report expected in six months. This incident raises concerns about police conduct towards vulnerable populations, as highlighted by Nold.