Charges Dropped Against Final Officer in Mario Gonzalez Death Case

Alameda County prosecutors cite forensic pathologist's inconsistent statements as the reason for dismissing the case.

Mario Gonzalez, a 26-year-old man, died in 2021 after being restrained by Alameda police officers during an arrest in a public park.
The final officer facing involuntary manslaughter charges, Eric McKinley, had his case dismissed after prosecutors determined they could not meet the burden of proof.
Prosecutors pointed to inconsistent statements made under oath by Dr. Bennett Omalu, a forensic pathologist hired by Gonzalez’s family, as a key factor in their decision.
Omalu’s independent autopsy concluded Gonzalez died of 'restraint asphyxiation,' differing from the county coroner's report, which cited methamphetamine use, obesity, and alcoholism as contributing factors.
The case had been reopened by former DA Pamela Price, but her office faced setbacks, including earlier dismissals of charges against two other officers and her own recall from office.