72-Year-Old Grandmother Dies After Arrest in Brentwood

Family seeks answers as two autopsies reach different conclusions about the cause of death

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The family of Yolanda Ramirez, a 72-year-old woman who died after an encounter with Brentwood police, is searching for answers as two autopsies have reached conflicting conclusions about the cause of her death. The Contra Costa County Coroner's report cited medical or physiological issues as the primary cause, with police restraint as a contributing factor. However, an independent autopsy conducted through an initiative founded by former NFL player Colin Kaepernick concluded that Ramirez's death was caused by 'multiple blunt force trauma and asphyxiation' due to police restraint. The family has filed a claim against the city, accusing officers of wrongful death, civil rights violations, elder abuse, and other charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing debate around police use of force and the importance of independent investigations, especially when there are conflicting accounts of an incident involving law enforcement. The differing autopsy results raise questions about the thoroughness and objectivity of the official investigation, and the family's pursuit of accountability could have broader implications for police practices and oversight.

The details

According to the claim filed by Ramirez's family, officers handcuffed her, slammed her head against a patrol vehicle, and forced her into the back seat, where she was left unattended for about 10 minutes. When an ambulance arrived, witnesses said multiple officers and EMTs were needed to remove her from the vehicle, and she was covered in vomit and appeared unconscious. The family's attorney criticized the county coroner's report for not mentioning visible bruising and for relying heavily on information provided by law enforcement, which contradicts video and witness accounts.

  • On September 26, 2026, Brentwood police responded to a call at a home on Broderick Drive.
  • Yolanda Ramirez died on October 3, 2026, several days after the encounter with police.

The players

Yolanda Ramirez

A 72-year-old woman who died after an encounter with Brentwood police.

Rich Ramirez

Yolanda Ramirez's son, who stated that the independent autopsy 'confirms what witnesses have seen'.

Melissa Nold

The family's attorney, who criticized the county coroner's report and filed a claim against the city.

Walter O'Grodnick

Brentwood Interim Police Chief, who confirmed that the department will release footage from the officers' body cameras by February 28.

Colin Kaepernick

Former NFL player who founded the initiative that provided the independent autopsy for Yolanda Ramirez's family.

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What they’re saying

“This just confirms what witnesses have seen.”

— Rich Ramirez, Yolanda Ramirez's son (Patch.com)

“You're hurting me. Why are you doing this to me?”

— Yolanda Ramirez (Patch.com)

What’s next

The Contra Costa County District Attorney's Office is investigating Ramirez's death, and the Brentwood Police Department will release footage from the officers' body cameras by February 28 at the request of the Brentwood City Council.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges in achieving transparency and accountability in police-involved deaths, as well as the importance of independent investigations to ensure a thorough and unbiased examination of the facts. The conflicting autopsy results underscore the need for rigorous and impartial scrutiny of such incidents to prevent further tragedies and build trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.