Alameda, California – Three Alameda police officers are facing involuntary manslaughter charges nearly three years after 26-year-old Mario Gonzalez died in custody. The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges against officers Eric McKinley, James Fisher, and Cameron Leahy following the decision to reopen Gonzalez’s case earlier this year. District Attorney Pamela Price reversed her predecessor’s decision to clear the officers of any criminal wrongdoing, signifying a major shift in the case.
The charges come after police responded to a call for a disorderly person in a public park on April 19, 2021. Body camera footage showed officers pinning Gonzalez face down to the ground for over 6 minutes, sparking controversy over the use of force. Initially, Gonzalez’s cause of death was attributed to the effects of methamphetamine, but a second autopsy determined that he died of asphyxiation, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his death.
Family members of Gonzalez have been vocal in demanding justice, with the Anti Police-Terror Project’s executive director, Cat Brooks, expressing skepticism about the likelihood of convictions for the officers. The officers, if convicted, could face up to four years in state prison. One of the officers is no longer employed by the city of Alameda, while the other two have been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the case.
The decision to press charges against the officers marks a significant development in the long-standing case, offering hope for accountability in cases of police misconduct. The legal proceedings are expected to begin in May, where the officers will have the opportunity to defend themselves against the allegations. The community and advocates continue to monitor the case closely, hoping for a just resolution that acknowledges the loss of Gonzalez’s life and holds the responsible parties accountable.