Charges Dropped Against Officer in Gonzalez Case

Alameda County prosecutors have dropped involuntary manslaughter charges against police officer Eric McKinley in the 2021 death of Mario Gonzalez, citing inconsistencies in testimony from Dr. Bennett Omalu, the family's forensic pathology expert. Dr. Omalu's conclusion of 'restraint asphyxiation' conflicted with the Alameda County Coroner's finding of 'toxic effects of methamphetamine'. This dismissal follows earlier dropped charges against the two other officers involved, James Fisher and Cameron Leahy, due to procedural issues. The legal proceedings were marked by multiple setbacks since the case was reopened by former District Attorney Pamela Price, prior to her recall. The decision to dismiss was influenced by the challenge of proving McKinley's role beyond a reasonable doubt. The 26-year-old Gonzalez died after being restrained face-down by officers, which a coroner's report ruled as homicide, involving multiple contributing factors.