Contra Costa Co. DA agrees to coroner’s inquest for Brentwood woman who died in police custody

The family of Yolanda Ramirez, 72, who died after an interaction with Brentwood police last September, is pleased with new developments in the case.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office agreed to conduct a coroner’s investigation. The Ramirez family has been fighting for justice for Yolanda since her death and says this latest ruling is a big step forward.

Police responded to a call regarding a minor domestic dispute between Yolanda and her older sister. Police say Yolanda tried to run away and was arrested in a police car.

This was judged to be due to natural causes. But the family believes police body camera video proves that’s not what happened.

“The Contra Costa medical examiner determined that my mother died of natural causes, which any reasonable, sane person would not believe,” said Richie Ramirez, Yolanda’s son.

A second independent autopsy initiated by the Ramirez family determined his cause of death to be homicide resulting from police restraint.

MORE: Family of Brentwood mother who died in police custody finally sees body camera footage months after request

The family fought to have the police body camera video released. A redacted version was published in February.

They also called for a coroner’s inquest to allow a jury to decide the circumstances of Yolanda’s death. The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office ultimately agreed.

“This was huge. First of all, I want to thank DA (Diana) Becton for this request, since Brentwood city officials have not even acknowledged our formal request,” Richie said. “The jury will look at the video and the evidence to determine that no, it was not due to natural causes.”

“At the beginning of 2025, the coroner’s inquest is no longer mandatory,” said Melissa Nold, the family’s lawyer. “Since 2025 and the policy change, no one has asked for one. Not her, not law enforcement, not the attorney general.”

Nold says a coroner’s inquest is important for transparency and because it can help determine whether they can bring possible criminal charges against the officers.

MORE: Independent autopsy finds Brentwood police killed 72-year-old woman

“We don’t know if this will result in a different outcome, but we think it’s important to have these public and transparent procedures and hearings in place for members of the community who have been impacted by police,” Nold said.

The prosecutor’s office declined an interview request.

In a statement, the City of Brentwood said: “The City remains committed to transparency, accountability and ensuring the community is appropriately informed while respecting the integrity of the investigation process.”

The coroner’s inquest is scheduled for July 15.

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