coroner’s inquest into police chase deaths of mother and twin sons
coroner’s inquest police chase fatalities mother twin sons.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — A coroner’s jury has reached a conclusion in a coroner’s inquest into the tragic deaths of a mother and her young son during a police pursuit in March 2023.
The incident occurred when Ryniqueka Dowell, 31, and her 6-year-old son, Jamari Humble, were involved in a collision with a stolen car near Parker Avenue and 4th Street in unincorporated Rodeo. Tragically, Dowell passed away at the scene, while Jamari succumbed to his injuries four days later in the hospital. Jamari’s twin brother, Jamani, survived the crash but sustained serious injuries.
On the night of the crash, the Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office alerted the Hercules Police Department about the driver of a stolen Mazda SUV, identified as Ralph Ellsworth White III, 21, of Vallejo, heading towards the City of Hercules on Interstate 80. A Hercules officer attempted to pull White over after he exited Willow Avenue, but White fled from the police car, ran a red light, and collided with Dowell’s car.
White attempted to flee the scene on foot but was apprehended shortly after at a nearby liquor store. He was subsequently charged with two counts of homicide and multiple other offenses related to the incident.
Following the tragic events, a coroner’s inquest was conducted to determine the manner of death for Dowell and Jamari. The jury considered various options, including accident, suicide, natural causes, or death at the hands of another person. After hearing testimonies, including from the officers involved in the chase, the jury concluded that the deaths of Dowell and Jamari were at the hands of another person.
In response to the ruling, family members of Dowell and her son have filed a wrongful death lawsuit, alleging that the police chase was reckless and unreasonable. The lawsuit names White, the city of Hercules, and Contra Costa County as defendants.
Jeffrey Humble, Dowell’s husband and Jamari’s father, expressed concern over the pursuit, stating that a stolen car should not justify endangering innocent lives. The Contra Costa Sheriff’s Office and the District Attorney’s Office have refrained from making public comments on the ruling, citing the need to preserve the integrity of the investigative process.
White remains in custody at Contra Costa County jail, awaiting trial scheduled to begin on September 9 in Martinez. In addition to the homicide charges, White faces several other charges related to the incident.
The tragic deaths of Dowell and Jamari have sparked a legal battle and raised questions about the tactics used in police pursuits. The outcome of the upcoming trial will be closely watched as the community seeks justice for the victims and their grieving family..
Coroner’s Inquest Held In Police Chase Deaths
Coroner’s Inquest Police Chase Deaths Mom Twin Sons.
