Authorities Release Bodycam Footage Following In-Custody Death of 72-Year-Old Woman

In a significant development, the Brentwood Police Department has made public the body camera footage capturing the arrest of a 72-year-old woman, Yolanda Ramirez, whose family alleges that the events leading to her detainment contributed to her death.

The video begins with Ramirez engaged in a conversation with an officer. The officer states that the objective is to clarify the situation at hand. Ramirez admits to “banging on a door” but firmly denies having kicked it, which seems to be part of the dispute.

During the interaction, the officer mentions that Ramirez’s sister had dialed 911, prompting the police response. “If this isn’t resolved, the police will keep being called,” the officer explains, underscoring the urgency of resolving the issue.

As the officer requests Ramirez’s name and date of birth for identification purposes, Ramirez initially provides only her name. When pressed for her birth date, she starts moving toward her car, insisting she’s been a resident “forever.”

The officer, referring to the information already relayed to dispatch by Ramirez’s sister, persists in asking for more details. Despite this, Ramirez only offers her age and birth month.

“You want to be difficult,” the officer comments, indicating frustration with the situation. The release of this footage has sparked discussions about police interactions and the treatment of elderly individuals, especially in sensitive circumstances.

“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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