Cops release full bodycam after death of 72-year-old mom in custody

The Brentwood Police Department has released body camera footage from last year’s arrest of a 72-year-old woman whose family claims she died as a result of the encounter.

The video shows Yolanda Ramirez speaking with an officer who tells her she is trying to gather information about what happened. Ramirez says she was “banging on a door,” but denies kicking it.

“If this isn’t fixed, the police will continue to be called,” the officer tells her, explaining that Ramirez’s sister had contacted 911.

The cop asks for Ramirez’s name and date of birth. Ramirez provides her name but begins walking toward her car when asked for her birth date, saying she has lived there “forever.”

The officer says Ramirez’s sister already provided that information to dispatch and asks again. Ramirez eventually gives only her age and birth month.

“You want to be difficult,” the officer says.

“No I don’t wanna be difficult but I don’t wanna be interrogated either,” Ramirez responds.

Moments later, Ramirez attempts to leave. Another officer is heard discussing a possible citizen’s arrest with the sister who called 911. A third officer is also present.

The cops then move to arrest Ramirez, telling her to put her hands behind her back. When she does not comply, they pull her arms back as she screams “no.” Officers tell her she is impeding an investigation before placing her in handcuffs.

The footage shows officers guiding Ramirez toward a patrol car. As they attempt to seat her inside, she appears to fall down and hit her head on the vehicle. One officer pushes her leg while another pulls her by her handcuffed arms into the seat.

As an officer tries to shut the door, Ramirez extends her leg to prevent it from closing. At one point, she appears to maneuver her hands despite being cuffed.

Minutes later, when she appears to have difficulty breathing, officers attempt to sit her upright before removing her handcuffs and calling paramedics.

Ramirez died seven days later. Her family has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the City of Brentwood and several police officers.

According to her son, an independent autopsy paid for by the family found serious injuries on her body and evidence of asphyxiation.

“I saw my mom die twice,” her son said. “I saw her dying back in that police car and later I was there to witness when she took her last breath.”

The nearly hourlong footage comes after a January rally calling for transparency and demanding the department release the body camera video.

“The police department’s release of the video is in keeping with the City’s commitment, made in its November 5, 2025 media release, to ensure transparency when possible,” Brentwood police said.

“The family of Ms. Ramirez was provided with an opportunity to privately view the video prior to its release to the public.”

The family says the officers should face criminal charges. The Brentwood police chief declined to comment, citing pending litigation and an ongoing investigation.

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