CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — A county-ordered inquest could open a new phase in the investigation into the death of Yolanda Ramirez, 72, with prosecutors directing the Contra Costa County Sheriff to examine the circumstances surrounding her October 3, 2025 death — and delaying any decision on possible criminal charges against officers involved until after the inquiry concludes.
The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office notified the City of Brentwood on Friday that it had directed the sheriff’s office to conduct a formal coroner’s inquest.
On Monday, the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff confirmed it will proceed.Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton said any determination on whether to file criminal charges against officers will not be made until after the inquest hearing, tying potential prosecutorial action to the outcome of the public fact-finding process.
“The City of Brentwood and the Brentwood Police Department will continue to fully cooperate with the District Attorney’s Office and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff throughout the inquest process,” according to a press release.
“The City remains committed to transparency, accountability, and ensuring the community is informed as appropriate while respecting the integrity of the investigative process.”
Ramirez died in a hospital after Brentwood police allegedly forced her to her knees, handcuffed her, screamed at her to get up, slammed her head against a police vehicle, and shoved her into the back seat, according to a claim filed by her husband against the city of Brentwood.
Their claim accused the officers of wrongful death, federal civil rights violations, elder abuse, battery and false arrest, among other things.
Officers arrived at the home of Ramirez's sister, who had called police to intervene in a verbal argument between the two women outside a family home.
After handcuffing her tight enough to cut her wrists, Ramirez was left unattended in the back of a patrol car.
When the Contra Costa County Coroner's office told the family to expect asphyxiation as the cause of death following her arrest by Brentwood police, the family ordered an independent autopsy with help from an initiative founded by former NFL player Colin Kaepernick.
Contra Costa County D.A. spokesman Ted Asregadoo said the department cannot comment on anything related to the inquiry until the investigation is complete.
Questions about the inquest process and the basis for initiating it are being referred to the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office and coroner’s Office.
More: Family Of 72-Year-Old Brentwood Woman Who Died After Arrest Files Civil Rights Claim Against City
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