Family of 72-year-old East Bay woman who died in police custody file federal, state lawsuits

BRENTWOOD, Calif. (KGO) — We’re following the story of Yolanda Ramirez, who died in October after an encounter with Brentwood police.

Her family is now demanding that the police body camera footage be released.

The family of Ramirez and their supporters protested in front the Brentwood Police Department on Thursday afternoon to chants of “Justice for Yolanda! Justice for Yolanda!”

“She is dead because of them. A 72-year-old grandma, never been in trouble with the law. For her to die in the back of the police car? There are a lot of questions, and they are not answering anything,” says Riche Ramirez, Yolanda’s eldest son.

Riche said the holidays have been tough for the family, since this is the first time without her.

RELATED: Family, community demand answers in death of 72-year-old East Bay woman after police interaction

In September, Brentwood police responded to a call for a family dispute between Ramirez and her sister, both in their 70s. At one point, police allege Yolanda tried to flee the scene. She was handcuffed and placed in the patrol car. She became unconscious and died days later in the hospital.

The family claims Brentwood police still haven’t given them the police report or met with them.

“We had a coroner say my mom died of natural causes, which is a slap in the face. We want the D.A., the mayor of Brentwood, the police chief, anybody that can request the inquest, to do so, to get the real facts out there,” Riche said.

Rudy Ramirez was married to Yolanda for 54 years. He spoke at the rally.

“Supposedly, they say, they have already done the investigation. I find that hard to believe. They must have (done) the investigation amongst themselves. The police asking the other police that were there, ‘Did he do everything right?’ ‘Yeah, he did.’ ‘Ok, were done.’ Uh, no!” Rudy said.

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

He wants the officers involved to be prosecuted.

“She had mobility issues. Maybe not responding quick enough for the police. But something made the officers snap, and they started abusing her,” Rudy said.

The family’s lawyer filed both a federal and state lawsuit on Thursday.

“For Fourth Amendment violations, for excessive force. That’s the civil rights portion. I filed a state’s civil rights violation, wrongful death, assault, battery, things of that nature. We are trying to fast-track this lawsuit, because the city is not being compliant with state law in turning things over,” said attorney Melissa Nold.

The Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office is conducting its own investigation. The family has met with the D.A.’s office.

Brentwood police did not return request for comment.