Independent autopsy finds Brentwood police killed 72-year-old woman

BRENTWOOD, Calif. (KGO) — The results of an independent autopsy are in for a 72-year-old Brentwood woman who died after an interaction with police. An attorney for the family says she died from blunt force trauma to the head and torso and asphyxiation.

The independent autopsy has concluded the manner of death for 72-year-old Yolanda Ramirez was homicide.

Her death was linked to blunt force trauma to the head and torso as well as asphyxiation as a consequence of police restraint in October.

“This just confirms what witnesses have seen,” said Yolanda’s son Rich Ramirez.

At the time, neighbors like Ashley Jeglum told ABC7 News –

EXCLUSIVE: New video shows interaction between Bay Area police, 72-year-old woman before her death

For the first time, we’re seeing video of the interaction between Brentwood police officers and 72-year-old Yolanda Ramirez before her death.

“They were being pretty rough, for a 72 year old lady.”

Yolanda Ramirez was picking up her brother for a medical appointment when she got into an argument with her sister who called police.

Surveillance video caught parts of the interaction.

“I have a lot of distrust for the system especially the Brentwood police,” said Rich Ramirez.

An autopsy by the Contra Costa County DA’s office found a preliminary natural cause of death — a stroke with contributing factors of diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

Melissa Nold is the attorney for the family.

“We’ve had these kind of inconsistencies multiple times. If they leave out force that was used, restraint, body positioning and things like that the doctor is only looking for something natural because you didn’t say that anything else happened,” said Nold.

The Contra Costa County Coroner’s Office has not yet released its autopsy report yet.

The DA’s office says their investigation remains open.

Brentwood police tell ABC7 News body-worn camera video from the incident will be released by February 28 at Brentwood City Council’s Request.

Given the ongoing civil litigation, the Brentwood Police Interim Chief told the I-Team he could no comment on this latest development. He also said the police department continues to fully cooperate with the independent investigation.

Take a look at more stories by the ABC7 News I-Team.