Family of Brentwood woman calls for transparency after fatal police encounter
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Summary
A Brentwood resident told the Contra Costa Board that his 72‑year‑old sister‑in‑law, Yolanda Ramirez, died following an encounter with Brentwood police; he alleged brutality, said an independent autopsy found a fractured skull, and said the city pledged to release footage before Feb. 28.
Paul Ramirez addressed the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors during public comment to demand transparency in the aftermath of a fatal police encounter in Brentwood. Ramirez said his sister‑in‑law, 72‑year‑old Yolanda Ramirez, died following an interaction with Brentwood officers on Sept. 26.
Ramirez alleged the encounter involved use of force: he told the board his family’s independent preliminary autopsy found a fractured skull and he described his relative as a 5‑foot‑2, 72‑year‑old with mobility issues. “She was arrested, brutalized physically, handcuffed, forced on her knees, and then pushed and shoved to a police car where she died because of brain bleed because of the fracture to her skull,” Ramirez said in public comment.
Ramirez said the family had not received timely reports from the Brentwood Police Department and alleged a cover‑up. He said the city told the family it would release footage before Feb. 28. Ramirez asked county officials for transparency and support as the family pursues answers.
Board members accepted the testimony as public comment. The item was a public testimony; there was no formal vote or action recorded on the county’s part at the meeting. The family’s claims and the city’s promise to release footage were stated on the record; the status of investigations or any independent findings beyond what Ramirez reported were not presented during the meeting.
