In Massachusetts news, on July 5, 2025, a 40-year-old woman whose name has not been released was in the Brookline Police Department’s custody when she was found unresponsive but breathing. Per the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, a police officer was the one who discovered her in her unresponsive state at about 2:30 p.m. Police officers were followed by medics from Brookline Fire and Coastal Ambulance in the effort to resuscitate the woman. She was transported by ambulance to a nearby hospital, where she was pronounced deceased at approximately 3:30 p.m.
Authorities found no obvious signs of trauma to the woman’s body. An autopsy will be conducted by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner to determine the cause and manner of her death. An investigation into the tragic incident is being conducted by the Massachusetts State Police.
The address of the Brookline Police Department is 350 Washington St, Brookline, MA 02445.
Deaths Occur After Encounters with the Police
Law enforcement is necessary to enjoy a free society. But when police officers step over the line, it is in our best interest to hold them accountable. Excessive force and assault are just two of many illegal acts that police officers are sometimes found guilty of. There is no shortage of news about questionable police encounters that end in a death. The following are two of those stories:
Bernie Russo Dies After an Encounter with the New York State Police
Forty-seven-year-old Bernie Russo died in the early morning hours of July 1, 2025, shortly after New York State Police put him in handcuffs. At about 12:45 a.m., Troopers had gone to his home on a report of a domestic dispute that involved a knife. It was reported that Mr. Russo made threats to police and was armed with an unspecified weapon.
Mr. Russo was instructed to step outside because he was being disruptive inside the home, making loud noises and banging things around. Police say that Mr. Russo emerged holding an unknown object, which he dropped on command. He then dropped to the ground and appeared to have a manic episode. For everyone’s safety and due to a pending domestic charge, officers placed Mr. Russo in handcuffs.
Emergency medical services were called to check on Mr. Russo’s condition. While officers were waiting, Mr. Russo became unresponsive. The police provided lifesaving measures, and then ambulance medics continued the effort. Tragically, Mr. Russo was pronounced deceased. Police notified the New York State Attorney General’s Office of the death. An investigation into Mr. Russo’s death is ongoing.
Jose Luis Naranjo Cortez Dies After an Encounter with Fullerton Police in California
On April 20, 2025, 46-year-old Jose Luis Naranjo Cortez was seen holding a smoldering cardboard box near Lemon Park when officers with the Fullerton Police Department attempted to detain him. It required the efforts of several officers to place the man in handcuffs. Mr. Cortez allegedly bit an officer, after which a spit hood was placed on him.
Allegedly, a police officer was heard saying to another officer that he punched the man twice.
Mr. Cortez stopped responding after several minutes in custody. Paramedics were called because he appeared to be having a medical emergency. Mr. Cortez was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. The incident is under investigation by the Orange County District Attorney.
The address of the Fullerton Police Department is 237 W Commonwealth Ave, Fullerton, CA 92832.
