The City of Alameda has come to a hefty settlement with the family of Mario Gonzalez, who died in police custody last year, agreeing to pay out a total of $11.35 million. This settlement, which was managed by the California Joint Powers Risk Management Authority (CJPRMA), is comprised of an $11 million payment to Gonzalez’s estate and son and a further $350,000 to his mother. According to the city's statement, these agreements are pending finalization and are meant to "fully and forever discharge and release all claims and causes of action." This settlement marks one of the largest of its kind, although no liability or admission of fault by any party has been acknowledged as part of the agreement.
In the wake of Gonzalez’s death on April 19, 2021, the City of Alameda has expressed its commitment to transparency and accountability. While a sum of money can never replace a life lost, the city hopes the settlement provides some measure of justice. Their full statement on the matter can be read at the city's dedicated webpage. The CJPRMA, which represents multiple Californian cities, allows municipalities like Alameda to pool their resources in dealing with financial liabilities such as this.
Additionally, the public has been given access to the body-worn camera footage from the day Gonzalez died. The footage, which includes graphic content, was released after his family and legal counsel were given a chance to view it, as reported by the city’s press release. The city also commissioned an independent outside investigation led by Louise Renne of Renne Public Law Group, which will be released in accordance with Senate Bill 1421.
The incident has prompted three investigations into the death of Gonzalez, including criminal probes by the Alameda County Sheriff’s Department and Alameda County District Attorney’s Office, in addition to the external review. The public and concerned entities await the findings from these investigations, which will likely shine a light on events leading up to Gonzalez's demise. The body-worn camera footage has been published with redactions to safeguard the privacy of bystanders and the deceased.
