BRENTWOOD, CA – A family in Brentwood is demanding answers following the death of a 72-year-old grandmother after an encounter with police. The family of Yolanda Ramirez, who they describe as a loving and gentle woman with no history of trouble, is puzzled by the circumstances surrounding her death.
Yolanda’s husband, Rudy Ramirez, shared memories of their life together, expressing disbelief at the loss of his wife of 49 years. “I miss hearing her call me ‘babe’ and ‘mijo,'” Rudy said.
The incident unfolded last month in a Brentwood neighborhood. Yolanda had driven to her sibling’s house to take her elderly brother to a doctor’s appointment. Family members believe a verbal altercation with her sister may have led to someone calling the police.
Witnesses reported hearing Yolanda screaming, “You’re hurting me. Why are you doing this to me?” Civil rights attorney Melissa Nold has filed a claim on behalf of the family, citing witness accounts of an officer forcing Yolanda, handcuffed, to her knees on the sidewalk. Witnesses also stated that her head was slammed against a police car window.
Yolanda, who was five foot three, never regained consciousness and was in a coma for a week with a brain bleed. Her wrists were bruised from the handcuffs, and she passed away on October 3.
Rudy and his family are struggling to understand the events that led to Yolanda’s death. “If she’s a threat to a police officer, perhaps they should reconsider their career,” Rudy remarked.
The family says Brentwood police have provided no information, and the department has not issued any public statement. An interim police chief declined to comment on the ongoing investigation.
Yolanda’s family, still grappling with their loss, stresses that none of it makes sense. They remember her as a kind and loving person and are seeking clarity about why she was taken from them.