Jury Will Hear How A 72-Year-Old Woman Died In Police Custody In Contra Costa County

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Contra Costa County prosecutors have ordered a public coroner’s inquest into the death of Brentwood resident Yolanda Ramirez after her family accused police officers of using excessive force during her October 2025 detention.

That means postponing any decision on criminal charges pending the jury’s findings.

The death of Yolanda Ramirez is moving into a new and highly public phase as Contra Costa County D.A. Diana Becton ordered a formal coroner’s inquest into the 72-year-old woman’s fatal encounter with police in Brentwood.

Contra Costa County Coroner David Livingston will convene the inquest July 15, 2026, at the Wakefield Taylor Courthouse in Martinez.

"The purpose of the inquest is to present the facts of the incident to a jury for their deliberation and finding on the manner of death," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Jurors will hear evidence surrounding Ramirez’s October 3, 2025 death after Brentwood police detained her during a family dispute outside her sister’s home.

The proceeding will allow jurors to review testimony and evidence before determining the manner of death. The hearing will remain open to the public and media, though court officials barred photographs, video, and audio recordings inside the courtroom.

The inquest also freezes any immediate decision on whether prosecutors will pursue criminal charges against the officers involved. Becton said prosecutors will wait until the inquiry concludes before deciding whether to file charges.

A claim filed by her family accuses officers and the city of wrongful death, elder abuse, battery, false arrest, and violations of federal civil rights protections.

Family members said the Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office initially indicated asphyxiation could be the cause of death. That disclosure prompted relatives to seek an independent autopsy with assistance from an initiative founded by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

A spokesperson for the District Attorney’s Office, Ted Asregadoo, said prosecutors will not discuss evidence or details connected to the inquiry until investigators complete the process.

In a public statement, city officials said the Brentwood Police Department and the City of Brentwood “will continue to fully cooperate” with county investigators throughout the inquest proceedings.

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