Verdict In 72-Year-Old Woman's Fatal In-Custody Death Announced After Contra Costa Inquest

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — A Contra Costa County coroner's jury ruled Wednesday that the death of 72-year-old Brentwood woman was an accident after a public inquest into her fatal encounter with Brentwood police.

Sheriff-Coroner David Livingston announced the finding after jurors heard testimony from witnesses during the inquest into the death of Yolanda Ramirez.

The inquest examined the events surrounding Ramirez's Oct. 3, 2025 death after Brentwood police detained her during a family dispute outside her sister's home.

Contra Costa County District Attorney Diana Becton ordered the public inquest in May after Ramirez's family accused Brentwood police officers of using excessive force during the detention.

At the time, prosecutors said they would postpone any decision on criminal charges involving the officers until the inquest concluded.

"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 Contra Costa County Sheriff's Office said before the hearing.

Ramirez's family has filed a claim against the City of Brentwood and the officers involved.

The claim accuses officers and the city of wrongful death, elder abuse, battery, false arrest, and violations of federal civil rights protections.

Relatives previously said the Contra Costa County Coroner's Office initially indicated asphyxiation could be the cause of death.

They later obtained an independent autopsy with assistance from an initiative founded by former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick that reached a different conclusion.

The independent autopsy concluded that Ramirez was unable to breathe properly because of how she was restrained, the pressure applied to her body, and the combined effect of her injuries.

It was not immediately clear Wednesday whether the District Attorney's Office would announce a timeline for deciding whether criminal charges will be filed against any officers involved.

Contra Costa County convenes coroner's inquests in fatal incidents involving law enforcement personnel.

During the public proceedings, jurors determine the manner of death by choosing one of four findings: accident, suicide, natural causes, or at the hands of another person other than by accident.

More: Why Top Cop Ordered Inquest For 72-Year-Old Woman's Death: CCCo

Family Of 72-Year-Old Brentwood Woman Who Died After Arrest Files Civil Rights Claim Against City

2 Autopsies, 2 Very Different Conclusions: How A 72-Year-Old Grandmother Died After Arrest In Brentwood