Alameda to pay Mario Gonzalez's son $11M to settle wrongful death lawsuit, city officials say

Friday, December 15, 2023

Mario Gonzalez's family, Alameda settle wrongful death suit for $11M

The city of Alameda on Thursday agreed to pay $11 million to the son of Mario Gonzalez, the city said in a press release on Thursday.

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The city of Alameda on Thursday agreed to pay $11 million to the son of Mario Gonzalez, the city said in a press release on Thursday.

Gonzalez died in Alameda police custody in April after being restrained face down to the ground.

The city will also pay $350,000 to Mario Gonzalez's mother.

This is a breaking news update. Previous article follows.

The death of Mario Gonzalez in April as he was being restrained by Alameda police employees has been ruled a homicide by the Alameda County coroner's bureau, city officials said Friday.

On April 19, Alameda police responded to a call for a disorderly person in a public park. Police body camera video showed officers pinned Gonzalez face down to the ground for approximately 6 minutes and 17 seconds.

The newly released Alameda County Coroner's Autopsy Report concludes the cause of death for Gonzalez is the "toxic effects of methamphetamine" with other significant conditions as the "physiologic stress of altercation and restraint, morbid obesity and alcoholism." The manner of death is classified as a homicide.

"My heart goes out to the Gonzalez family...I am committed to a thorough investigation," said Alameda Police Chief Nishant Joshi during an interview with ABC7 News.

Chief Joshi says he's reviewed the autopsy report.

"This is information that I think people want to know however this information doesn't tell me doesn't get me to a completed investigation it just helps get us closer to completing the investigation," said Joshi.

Attorney Michael Haddad is representing Gonzalez's son.

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"Mario would not have died but for the prone restraint these officers inflicted on him," said Haddad.

While Attorney Adante Pointer is representing Gonzalez's mother.

"Despite what some of the contributing factors may have been around him either being intoxicated or his state of health the fact is clear that he would be here today if not for his interaction with the police," said Pointer.

Both are now calling on the Alameda County District Attorney to evaluate the case as a homicide and consider bringing charges against the officers.

"I just hope that the District Attorney has the courage to do the right thing," said Pointer.

The Alameda County DA's Office tells ABC7 News it is an ongoing investigation and they do not have a statement at this time.

The Alameda police chief says the officers involved remain on paid administrative leave.

The four police employees involved in Gonzalez's death are Officer James Fisher, hired by the city in 2010; officers Cameron Leahy and Eric McKinley, hired by the city in 2018; and parking enforcement employee Charlie Clemmens.

According to Chief Joshi it is up to the Alameda District Attorney's Office to determine whether charges are appropriate against the officers involved.

"While we wait for the District Attorney's office to make their decision and with the knowledge of the Coroner's report, the City will work diligently towards completing its ongoing independent investigation and take appropriate action," said Chief Joshi.