Brentwood speakers demand answers after Yolanda Ramirez dies in police custody

Dozens of residents and members of the Ramirez family told the Brentwood City Council on Nov. 12 that they want transparency and accountability after the September 26 police encounter that led to the death of 72‑year‑old Yolanda Ramirez.

"My mom should be alive," said Rich Ramirez, who identified himself as the eldest child of Yolanda Ramirez, during the public comment period. Family members and witnesses alleged the police delayed notifying the family, left their relative unattended in the back of a police cruiser and failed to interview neighbors who say they witnessed the encounter.

Family attorney Melissa Nold said she hired a private investigator who identified a dozen witnesses and described the deceased as unconscious in a police vehicle before being taken to an ambulance. "She never woke up," Nold said, summarizing the investigator's interviews and pressing the council for openness about the investigative timeline.

Speakers called explicitly for several actions: immediate release of all incident reports and video footage, removal of Officer Peachman and the unidentified female officer from active duty pending investigation, an independent outside investigation, and a review of police policies on interactions with vulnerable community members. Francisco Ramirez read a list of formal demands that included those five items.

Outside advocates who spoke echoed those requests. Maria Dominguez, appearing as president of a local chapter of a La Raza lawyers' association, asked the council to seek answers from the Brentwood Police Department, the county district attorney and the California Department of Justice. Devin Williams, vice chair of the Antioch oversight commission, urged the council to pressure the district attorney to act.

Council members did not announce specific personnel actions or a timetable for public release at the meeting. After public comment the council adjourned into closed session. When the council reconvened the mayor read a brief statement offering "empathy to the Ramirez family," saying the council had "heard" public comments and was "continuing to gather and review information" and promising to share accurate information "as we are able to do so."

The family and community callers repeatedly asked the council to release body‑worn and dash‑camera footage to the family before a wider public release so relatives are not the last to learn key facts. Family members also asked whether the incident was recorded properly in police reports, whether the event was treated as an arrest or a detainment, and whether Officer Peachman is on administrative leave or subject to any disciplinary list.

No formal council vote on officer suspension, release of footage or directing an independent investigation was recorded on the public record during the meeting. Several speakers said they expect litigation or further investigation to follow; council staff and the mayor said they would continue to gather information and would provide updates when possible.

The matter remains under investigation and residents said they will continue pressing the city for answers and for reforms to policies governing police interactions with vulnerable residents.