Family and advocates press Brentwood council to order coroner’s inquest in Yolanda Ramirez death

Dozens of residents, family members and legal advocates used the council’s public‑comment period to demand a coroner’s inquest into the death of Yolanda Ramirez, whose family says body‑worn video contradicts the city’s characterization of the cause of death.

Francisco, identifying himself as Ramirez’s son, told the council the footage shows Ramirez was left face down, handcuffed and denied water and medical information, and he said the family rejects a finding that she died of natural causes. “My mother did not die of natural causes,” Francisco said. “She died because of an encounter with Officer Peachman… She was left in a position known to be life threatening.”

Multiple speakers described viewing an edited and delayed video release and called the release and investigation process a cover‑up. One commenter said the footage appeared to show head strikes and argued that emergency medical workers were not told critical information that could have changed treatment. “If they had actually followed safe policing standards, my mother would still be here today,” Francisco said.

Maria Dominguez, a Contra Costa attorney who identified herself as immediate past president of the California La Raza Lawyers Association and the East Bay La Raza Lawyers Association, urged the council to agendize an official response and described the incident as elder abuse based on what she observed in the video. She pointed to broader statistical disparities in deaths following police encounters and said the city should use its authority to seek greater transparency and review.

Family members and advocates asked the council to use its municipal code authority to order the city attorney to request a coroner’s inquest into Ramirez’s death. Speakers stressed the difference between discussion and formal action; at the meeting council members did not vote on the inquest request, but several members acknowledged the public’s demand and staff said the issue could be agendized for future consideration.

The council did not take substantive action on the coroner’s‑inquest request during this meeting; speakers asked the council to put the matter on a future agenda for formal consideration. The family and advocates indicated they will continue to press for a transparent review and for the council to use its municipal authority to seek further investigation.