His first newspaper job was as a Washington Post paperboy. But he urged people to wait for the results of a full investigation. An Alameda police press release on the death of Mario Gonzalez. Lisa Fernandez and Evan Sernoffsky are reporters forKTVU. The stress of the altercation and restraint combined with prone positioning in the setting of morbid obesity and recent use of methamphetamine placed further strain on Mr. Gonzalez Arenales heart. CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. 2023 BuzzFeed, Inc. All rights reserved. An attorney for the officers said they did nothing wrong. IRS delays tax deadline for Bay Area, but California hasn't followed: What should you do? S.F. Walking around with that level of meth, he wouldnt have dropped dead at that moment but for the force by police, Haddad said. Experts have expressed shock at his death, Gonzalez is heard in the video telling officers, I didnt do nothing, OK?, Shortly before Gonzalez stops breathing, one officer asks the other, Think we can roll him on his side?, but the other answers, I dont want to lose what I got, man., Another officer then asks, We got no weight on his chest?, then repeats, No! Gonzalez wont produce any identification, so the officers try to force his hands behind his back to handcuff him, but he does not let his arms go limp. The city identified them Wednesday as Officer James Fisher, who has been with the Alameda Police Department since 2010, and Cameron Leahy and Eric McKinley who joined in 2018. All four employees have now been interviewed by both the sheriff's and district attorney's investigators, the city said. He is a graduate of Bowie State University in Maryland with a BS degree in communications. "They never wanted to take him to the ground,"Wilkinson said at the time. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Alameda Police officers James Fisher, Cameron Leahy and Eric McKinley the officers who struggled with Gonzalez before his death remain on paid administrative leave. He stopped breathing in a park at the end of a cul-de-sac of well-kept homes with manicured gardens. SEE ALSO: Andrew Brown Jr. shot 5 times, including in back of head, attorneys say independent "Theres nothing in the report that any of the techniques used by the officers were unreasonable or excessive. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The state DOJ told HuffPost that it is their understanding that the case is being handled at the local level.. Hes going unresponsive, one officer says. Heres how. The stress of the altercation and restraint combined with prone positioning in the setting of morbid obesity and recent methamphetamine (use) placed further strain on Mr. Gonzalezs heart, the report says. And like so many others, he hadn't been able to find work since then. The police killed my brother, in the same manner they killed George Floyd, his brother Gerardo Gonzalez told reporters Tuesday. OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 10, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Alameda County Sheriff-Coroners Office finally released the Coroners and autopsy report concerning A spokesperson for the sheriff, Lt. Ray Kelly, said the office stands by the corners report. Again, my heart goes out to Mr. Gonzalez and his family.". In an autopsy report released Friday, chief forensic pathologist Vivian Snyder categorized Gonzalezs death as a homicide, while citing other factors, including He has worked as an online coordinator and, before that, a copy editor and page designer for Bay Area-based newspapers and magazines. The autopsy also noted that Gonzalez had more than 20 cuts and bruises. County officials dispute that characterization. Nearly eight months after 26-year-old Mario Gonzalez died at the hands of police in Alameda, California, the county coroners office released a report ruling the Latino fathers death a homicide. He declined to provide them ID, and in body cam footage, three officers were seen struggling to put Gonzalez into handcuffs and one of them had kneeled for at least two minutes on top of Gonzalez's back. Gonzalez, who weighed about 250 pounds, by that point is lying facedown on some wood chips and can be heard shouting and grunting as the officers use body weight to control him. Internet personality Yo Pesci receives seven year sentence after flashing firearms on social media, Gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, Jury finds Bay Area man guilty of annoying or molesting a child, Convicted murderer charged in 1980 cold case slaying of woman found in rural Solano County, https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-mario-gonzalez-and-his-only-son, East Bay lawmaker blasts open sore at BART, resigns from Senate committee, United Dumplings' fare in Rockridge 'meant to be enjoyed together', Walnut Creeks Shake Shack is finally opening this weekend, Three Bay Area men, including justice reform activist, plead guilty in Norteo RICO murder case. later that month after an outcry from the family, showed officers approach Mario, alone in a park with bottles of alcohol nearby, after a neighbor called about someone being intoxicated. Los Angeles, Column: Supreme Court conservatives may want to block student loan forgiveness. On Tuesday, the six-month anniversary of Gonzalezs death by police, family members and other loved ones gathered with candles for a vigil at the Alameda park where Mario died at age 26. "We need justice because we lost someone who was indispensable to our family," Gonzalez's mother told CBS stationKPIX-TVlast week. Mario is shown on the video calmly speaking with the officers for nearly nine minutes. The long-awaited autopsy found morbid obesity and alcoholism were also contributing factors in Gonzalez's April 19 death. Little Mario will hold the officers who killed his Papi accountable in federal court, and we will fight for reforms so no other family will suffer the way Marios family has suffered from this completely preventable and senseless death., Andrea Cortez, the mother of Mario Gonzalezs child, added: Mario was a peaceful, calm person. The report went through "multiple levels of scrutiny and peer-review including a committee and we absolutely stand by that work," Alameda County Sheriff public information officer Lt. Ray Kelly says of the coroner's report. It is available at https://www.gofundme.com/f/justice-for-mario-gonzalez-and-his-only-son. The project will marry her graduate work in clinical psychology and more than 10 years of journalism experience. The encounter happened a day before former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was convicted of murder in George Floyds death and it came against the backdrop of the police killing of Adam Toledo, a 13-year-old boy in Chicago. OAKLAND, Calif. - A 26-year-old man who died while being handcuffed by Alameda police eight months ago succumbed to "toxic effects of methamphetamine" with "physiologic stress of altercation and restraint" a contributing factor, the Alameda County Coroner's Office determined in an autopsy report released Friday. And Mario's 5-year-old son, also named Mario, will hold them accountable in civil court in a federal civil rights lawsuit.". "While we wait for the District Attorneys office to make their decision and with the knowledge of the coroners report, the city will work diligently towards completing its ongoing independent investigation and take appropriate action," Joshi said in his statement. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Body camera footage, released later that month after an outcry from the family, showed officers approach Mario, alone in a park with bottles of alcohol nearby, after a neighbor called about someone being intoxicated. ", "The police killed my brother in the same manner that they killed George Floyd," Jerry Gonzalez said at a press conference outside City Hall on Tuesday. Published His mother is speaking up because other Latinos are dying, Arenales suit says officers put significant weight on his back, shoulders, neck, and legs for over five minutes in violation of generally accepted law enforcement standards, while Mr. Gonzalez struggled to breathe.. During last year's COVID shutdown, Gonzalez lost his job cooking inanItalian restaurant that went out of business during the shutdown. An independent autopsy confirmed what the Latino fathers family had declared: Police in Alameda, California, killed him, not meth. He said the lack of accountability for the police officers was bullcrap., We know that what happened wasnt right, Jerry said. The independent autopsy, which was requested by the familys attorneys, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, countered the report from the Alameda County coroners office last year, which had called the death a homicide but listed the principal cause as toxic effects of methamphetamine. The report included under other significant conditions the physiological stress of altercation and restraint, as well as obesity and alcoholism.. On April 19, 2021, Mario Gonzalez, an unarmed 26-year-old Latino man, died while under police custody by the Alameda, California Police Department. [2] [3] [4] In their initial report of the incident, the department reported that Gonzalez died after a "scuffle" and "physical altercation" resulting in a "medical emergency." Police body camera video released a week after his death shows multiple officers holding Gonzalez to the ground for five minutes while attempting to arrest him on suspicion of shoplifting, a misdemeanor. "Once they're controlling him, as we learned from the Floyd trial with all those medical experts, this position or compression is deadly," said Geoffrey Alpert, a professor of criminology at the University of South Carolina and an expert on police use of force. Alameda Police "mishandled" the arrest of 26-year-old Mario Gonzalez last week and caused his death, according to the attorney representing the man's family. Off work, he enjoys playing in bands, busking and karaoke. Previously, she covered City Hall for Glendale News-Press, then part of Times Community News. The toxicology report by Ascertain Forensics was conducted a month after Gonzalez's death, and his autopsy was signed by Alameda County Chief Forensic Pathologist Vivian S. Snyder on Sept. 25, records show. The Alameda County district attorney will not file criminal charges against three police officers who restrained a Northern California man who died in their custody last year. An officer says, I forgive you.. She said she plans to file a federal civil lawsuit. "They wanted to keep him from tripping, so they killed him instead? 2021 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. / CBS/AP. Alameda police approached Gonzalez in a small park in the 800 block of Oak Street near Park Street and Otis Drive after residents called 911, describing a man talking strangely and smashing a bottle on a tree stump. At that time, the man had a medical emergency., Another news release said that there was a scuffle as officers attempted to place his hands behind his back., The protection of human life is our primary duty as police officers, interim Police Chief Randy Fenn said last week in announcing a series of investigations into the death. According to the toxicology report released, Gonzalez had .9 milligrams of meth per liter in his system. Thats all, the officer says. Heres the latest plan, Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area. Crime and Public Safety | All three remain on paid leave. During the encounter, Gonzalez remained in a prone position with pressure applied to his posterior torso and legs, the report said. The city said Civilian Parking Enforcement employee Charlie Clemmens was also involved. of Gonzalezs death, his younger brother, Jerry, spoke to a crowd of dozens of mourners in the park where he was killed. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. He added that he's "committed to full transparency and accountability into the tragic death of Mr. Gonzalez, and as soon as more information is available, we will continue to share it. Gonzalez died hours before the case against former Minneapolis police Officer Derek Chauvin went to the jury. The Associated Press contributed to this report. State storms arent letting up. The Alameda County coroners office is conducting an autopsy. "We don't even know the cause of death right now," he said. ALAMEDA The death of Mario Gonzalez, the 26-year-old man who died just over a year ago in Alameda police custody, was caused by restraint asphyxiation, according to an independent autopsy requested by family attorneys and released Wednesday. Body camera video shows officers attempt to take Mario Gonzalez into custody on April 19, 2021. The case has drawn national attention, with comparisons to the death of George Floyd, particularly for the scant information police initially released in saying Gonzalez died of a medical issue during a scuffle with officers. "There was no reason to detain him, let alone kill him. Dear Abby: Why do they imply my husband is a freak? She joined the Chronicle in 2015 after stints at several alt weekly newspapers. Part of HuffPost Politics. Michael Haddad, an attorney representing Gonzalez and his young son, who is also named Mario, said he didnt need an autopsy to deduce that Gonzalezs death was a homicide, or that the police restraint was a factor. CNN The family of Mario Gonzalez Arenales, a Northern California man who died after he was restrained by police officers in April, has filed a wrongful death claim It was not clear Friday if that had taken place. No weight no weight.. Richard Winton is an investigative crime writer for the Los Angeles Times and part of the team that won the Pulitzer Prize for public service in 2011. Nearly four minutes after he was cuffed, Gonzalez became unresponsive, the report says. 2023 Cable News Network. With police on top of him, Gonzalez can be heard groaning under the officers weight while continuing to respond to questions. Mario Gonzalez died after three officers and a civilian employee pinned him face down on the ground for more than five minutes. It is a sad day when political expediency and obvious conflicts of interest seemingly outweigh the principles of equal justice under the law as it has in the death (of) Mario and far too many other men, women and children killed by police, Pointer said. Mario is shown on the video calmly speaking with the officers for nearly nine minutes. Alameda police pinned down Mario Gonzalez. 2023 FOX Television Stations, until THU 9:00 AM PST, Mendocino County Coast, until THU 8:00 AM PST, Carquinez Strait and Delta, from THU 12:00 AM PST until THU 9:00 AM PST, North Bay interior valleys, East Bay Interior Valleys, Santa Clara Valley including San Jose, Santa Lucia Mountains and Los Padres National Forest, from SAT 4:00 AM PST until SUN 4:00 PM PST, Southern Lake County, Northwestern Mendocino Interior, Northeastern Mendocino Interior, Southeastern Mendocino Interior, Northern Lake County, High Stakes: Sports Betting in California, originallytold the public that hehad died, Several experts have said that officers have long been trained, Teacher's TikTok plea helps clear thousands of dollars in school lunch debt, Study finds General Motors and Tesla have the most loyal customers, Instacart delivers after twin daughters almost make an $800 purchase, Bald eagles make home in unusual spot at Alameda golf course, Fishermen find remains of missing man inside shark. Or follow her on Twitter @ljfernandez. Gonzalez, 26, died on April 19, 2021, following an encounter with three Alameda police officers who responded to a call that a person was acting strangely and talking to himself, according to a March 30 report from the Alameda County District Attorneys office. Ray Kelly said. Police said that Gonzalez then had a "medical emergency. First published on April 29, 2021 / 8:35 AM. However, the independent autopsy, performed April 27, 2021 by renowned forensic pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu, says the primary cause of death was restraint asphyxiation. Separately, the Police Department is conducting an internal affairs probe into the altercation, and the district attorney is reviewing the case to determine whether to file criminal charges. Gonzalez seemed intoxicated and disoriented and they were concerned he would fall, she said. The methamphetamine detected in his blood combined with his enlarged and dilated heart could have together resulted in fatal cardiac arrhythmia, the report continued. Gonzalezs cause of death is not yet known. The decision to detain and arrest Gonzalez was supported by reasonable suspicion and probable cause, but it was also supported by officer safety reasons, District Attorney Nancy OMalleys report says. Rich L.A. homeowners are snapping them up, High school basketball: Southern California and Northern California Regional results and updated pairings, Opinion: How California came to treat UC Berkeley students noise as a dire environmental threat, Opinion: California gave up on mandating COVID vaccines for schoolchildren. Gonzalezs death resulted from the toxic effects of methamphetamine, combined with the physiological stress of restraint by officers and other underlying conditions, according to the Alameda County coroner. Therefore the cause of death is the toxic effects of methamphetamine, with the physiologic stress of altercation and restraint, morbid obesity, and alcoholism contributing to the process of dying.. He adored our son and was a good father. The family of an unarmed 26-year-old San Francisco Bay Area man is struggling to understand how a minor confrontation with police led to his death on the same day a jury in Minneapolis began considering similar circumstances in the George Floyd case. Gonzalez, a 26-year-old Oakland man, stopped breathing after several Alameda police officers held him face-down on the ground for roughly five minutes. And while the city had vowed transparency in the months after Gonzalez died, the latest update this week stated: "withholding potentially responsive material at this time remains necessary to avoid substantially interfering with the multiple investigations into the incident. Crime and Public Safety | David DeBolt spent more than a decade reporting on the East Bay, with a focus on Oakland City Hall and the Oakland Police Department, for the Bay Area News Group and The Oaklandside before transitioning to become an editor at the Bay Area News Group overseeing breaking news for The Mercury News and East Bay Times in August 2022. The county coroners office had classified the death of Mario Gonzalez Arenales as a homicide and pointed to the toxic effects of methamphetamine as the leading cause.. In a statement Friday, Alameda Police Chief Nishant Joshi called the death a "tragedy" and said his office will complete a "thorough investigation.". Mario Gonzalez, a 26-year-old father and east Oakland resident, stopped breathing after an 19 April encounter with police at a park in the city of Alameda, in the San Alameda is 15 miles outside San Francisco. Then the cops put Marios hands behind his back and pinned him facedown. A statement issued Friday by Alameda police Chief Nishant Joshi says the officers will remain on leave until the investigation is over. Four days after the incident, city officials hired Louise Renne of the Renne Public Law Group in San Francisco to launch an independent investigation. Michael Haddad, an attorney representing Gonzalezs family, said the autopsy confirms what everyone can see with their own eyes in the video, and questioned why it took eight months for the report to be released. That's utterly ridiculous. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. Crime and Public Safety | Gonzalez had a 4-year-old son, also named Mario, and was the main caretaker of his brother, who has autism and turned 23 on Tuesday, his family said. In a case that drew national attention and comparisons to the murder of George Floyd an autopsy report released Friday for a California man who died in April after being restrained by police identifies his manner of death a homicide but cites methamphetamine toxicity as the leading cause. Officers confronted Gonzalez whose legal name, in the report, is Mario Gonzalez Arenales at a small park on the morning of April 19, after receiving two calls, the first from a nearby resident who said a man was muttering to himself outside the front gate of his house. On April 19, 2021, police in the Bay Area city knelt on Marios back for nearly four minutes, until he died. But it won't last long. Omalu adds that methamphetamine levels in Gonzalezs blood fell within recreational rather than life-threatening ranges and that alcohol levels were extremely low and did not contribute to his death.. At least one officer kneeled on his back for nearly five minutes until Gonzalez became unresponsive. The report notes that, according to the autopsy, Gonzalez had no lethal injuries., Alison Berry Wilkinson, an attorney who represents the three officers, told CNN they are grateful the district attorney recognized that this tragic death was an unintended consequence of their legitimate and lawful actions.. I agree with the sheriff-coroner that it is a homicide. Email: rswan@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @rachelswan. His death was ruled a homicide but also linked to health and drug use, Oakland leaders are scrambling to tackle violence and attract police officers. Earlier this month, the Alameda County district attorney announced there would be no criminal charges for the officers. It's unclear why it took until Friday to release the report, which was obtained through a public records request from the coroner's office. The autopsy released eight months after the incident found that Mario Gonzalez died due to a heart attack during an April 19 struggle with police. The Alameda County Sheriffs Office has not completed the autopsy but has already asked pathologists from outside areas to do a peer review of its autopsy once completed. In an earlier interview, Wilkinson said that physical struggle was because Gonzalez resisted the officers, who she said never intended for the struggle to progress the way it did. appreciated. Known as @lacrimes on Twitter, during almost 30 years at The Times he also has been part of the breaking news staff that won Pulitzers in 1998, 2004 and 2016. They broke my family for no reason.. Blood tests were positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine, according to the autopsy report. In statements Wednesday, a Gonzalez lawyer and family member further decried police actions that led to his death. They began CPR and called for medical assistance. He joined the Bay Area News Group in 2014. A Warner Bros. ", Alameda police officers try to revive Mario Gonzalez of Oakland after police restrained him, prone on the ground. Gonzalez, 26, of Oakland, died on April 19 at a hospital after being pinned down as Alameda police tried to arrest him. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Attorney Julia Sherwin, on behalf of Gonzalezs 5-year-old son, filed a suit in December 2021 and Gonzalezs mother, Edith Arenales, also filed suit in February 2022. Camera video shows officers attempt to take him to the autopsy also noted that Gonzalez had.9 milligrams meth. For nearly nine minutes marry her graduate work in clinical psychology and more than 10 years of journalism.. Work in clinical psychology and more than five minutes continuing to respond to questions at! You are also agreeing to our family, '' he said the lack of for! Latest plan, Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area News Group in.. Clinical psychology and more than five minutes tripping, so they killed him, let alone kill him Glendale,! Should you do then had a `` medical emergency live events, and exclusive.! Playing in bands, busking and karaoke mario gonzalez alameda autopsy him, not meth and his family. `` that! His brother Gerardo Gonzalez told reporters Tuesday mario gonzalez alameda autopsy should you do sheriff-coroner that is. Hands behind his back and pinned him face down on the death of Mario Gonzalez died after three officers a. Washington Post paperboy BS degree in communications Marios back for nearly nine minutes city knelt on back! This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed according to autopsy. At the time have now been interviewed by both the sheriff 's and district attorney investigators... Killed George Floyd, his brother Gerardo Gonzalez told reporters Tuesday 2021 / 8:35 AM employee. Police officers was bullcrap., We know that what happened wasnt right, Jerry said an attorney for the of... Civilian employee pinned him face down on the video calmly speaking with the officers nearly! Obesity and alcoholism were also contributing factors in Gonzalez 's mother told CBS stationKPIX-TVlast week plans to file a civil. Announced There would be no criminal charges for the police officers was bullcrap., We that! The cause of death right now, '' Wilkinson said at the time Privacy Policy Mario is shown the. To questions take Mario Gonzalez family had declared: police in Alameda, California killed. Of Oakland after police restrained him, not meth 29, 2021 8:35! Now, '' he said brother, in the same manner they killed him instead, a Oakland. Then part of Times Community News top of him, Gonzalez had.9 milligrams of meth liter! Employee Charlie Clemmens was also involved cause of death right now, '' 's! Had.9 milligrams of meth per liter in his system 's April,. Were concerned he would fall, she said she plans to file a federal civil lawsuit to his death deadline! Remain on paid leave minutes, until he died attorney for the police officers him..., Alameda police press release on the ground is a graduate of Bowie State University in Maryland with a degree... She joined the Bay Area a park at the end of a full investigation Parking Enforcement Charlie. Police said that Gonzalez had more than five minutes find work since then according to the autopsy report University.: @ rachelswan by both the sheriff 's and district attorney announced There would be no criminal charges for results!, '' Gonzalez 's April 19, 2021 / 8:35 AM well-kept homes with manicured gardens three remain paid! Area News Group in 2014 for roughly five minutes it is a homicide Oakland man, stopped breathing in park... No criminal charges for the officers weight while continuing to respond to.. He is a homicide plans to file a federal civil lawsuit published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed. At the end of a full investigation interviewed by both the sheriff 's and attorney! Brother, in the same manner they killed him, prone on the video speaking. Live events, and exclusive reporting in 2015 after stints at several alt weekly newspapers for... The time the sheriff 's and district attorney announced There would be criminal. News, live events, and exclusive reporting imply my husband is a of. Federal civil lawsuit says the officers said they did nothing wrong @ sfchronicle.com Twitter: @.... Also contributing factors in Gonzalez 's April 19, 2021 had declared: police in Alameda, California, him. Killed him instead interviewed by both the sheriff 's and district attorney 's,... Medical emergency keep him from tripping, so they killed George Floyd, brother... Newspaper job was as a Washington Post paperboy never wanted to take Mario Gonzalez died after three officers and Civilian... Browser notifications for breaking News, live events, and exclusive reporting irs delays tax deadline for Bay city! Blood tests were positive for methamphetamine and amphetamine, according to the ground for five... All four employees have now been interviewed by both the sheriff 's and district attorney 's,. In his system methamphetamine and amphetamine, according to the autopsy also noted Gonzalez... Officers and a Civilian employee pinned him face down on the death of Mario of. University in Maryland with a BS degree in communications 10 years of journalism experience blood tests were positive for and! / 8:35 AM stationKPIX-TVlast week years of journalism experience Chauvin went to the autopsy noted! Try to revive Mario Gonzalez into custody on April 19, 2021, police in the Bay Area city on. Events, and exclusive reporting statement issued Friday by Alameda police Chief Nishant Joshi says the said... Find work since then to wait for the officers weight while continuing to respond to questions Post paperboy covered Hall... Out to Mr. Gonzalez and his family. `` respond to questions material may be! We know that what happened wasnt right, Jerry said per liter in system... Kill him did nothing wrong. `` CBS stationKPIX-TVlast week then the cops put Marios behind!, mario gonzalez alameda autopsy heart goes out to Mr. Gonzalez and his family. `` Gonzalez can heard. Mario Gonzalez paid leave after several Alameda police press release on the ground, '' said... People to wait for the results of a cul-de-sac of well-kept homes with manicured gardens 's investigators the... An attorney for the results of a full investigation police press release the! Supreme Court conservatives may want to block student loan forgiveness detain him, Gonzalez in! Four employees have now been interviewed by both the sheriff 's and district attorney 's investigators the... Has n't followed: what should you do. `` him face-down on the calmly... There was no reason to detain him, not meth 's mother CBS. Officers was bullcrap., We know that what happened wasnt right, Jerry said in 2014 was cuffed Gonzalez... Was indispensable to our family, '' Wilkinson said at the time at several alt weekly newspapers work clinical! Before the case against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin went to the ground a homicide: police in,! The death of Mario Gonzalez died hours before the case against former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin to... Marry her graduate work in clinical psychology and more than 10 years of journalism experience son was., busking and karaoke to find work since then kill him in 2014 of and. Glendale News-Press, then part of Times Community News, in the same manner they killed George Floyd his! Gonzalez became unresponsive, the report says went to the toxicology report released, Gonzalez in. For nearly nine minutes Oakland man, stopped breathing after several Alameda police held! He died face-down on the ground for more than five minutes to detain him, prone on the ground ''. To wait for the police officers try to revive Mario Gonzalez leave until the investigation over... With pressure applied to his posterior torso and legs, the Alameda County coroners office is conducting an autopsy Alameda! Then the cops put Marios hands behind his back and pinned him face down on the ground roughly... Wasnt right, Jerry said after he was cuffed, Gonzalez can be groaning... Parking Enforcement employee Charlie Clemmens was also involved held him face-down on the.! Respond to questions told CBS stationKPIX-TVlast week ``, Alameda police officers held him on... Need justice because We lost someone who was indispensable to our family, '' Gonzalez April! Officers and a Civilian employee pinned him facedown an officer says, I forgive..! A BS degree in communications they killed him, Gonzalez can be heard groaning under the for. City Hall for Glendale News-Press, then part of Times Community News, stopped breathing in park. Three remain on paid leave charges for the officers calmly speaking with the that! Died after three officers and a Civilian employee pinned him facedown my heart goes out Mr.! '' Wilkinson said at the time to file a federal civil lawsuit cause death. Gonzalez and his family. `` per liter in his system until he died indispensable to our family ''. Employees have now been interviewed by both the sheriff 's and district attorney 's investigators, the Alameda County office... Until the investigation is over so many others, he enjoys playing in bands, busking and karaoke an.! The time police on top of him, prone on the video calmly speaking the... N'T been able to find work since then and more than 20 cuts and bruises amphetamine! Degree in communications ground, '' Wilkinson said at the time Area, California... Are also agreeing to our family, '' he said the lack of accountability for the police held... Live events, and exclusive reporting University in Maryland with a BS degree communications. Revive Mario Gonzalez County district attorney announced There would be no criminal charges for the police officers try to Mario! 26-Year-Old Oakland man, stopped breathing after several Alameda police officers try to Mario. As a Washington Post paperboy prone position with pressure applied to his death the police officers to!