Martinez, California – The Contra Costa District Attorney’s Office has issued a report on the death of 47-year-old Ivan Gutzalenko after an encounter with Richmond Police officers in 2021.
“Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incident (LEIFI) reports are part of my policy of being more transparent in the criminal justice system,” District Attorney Diana Becton noted. “Even in complicated cases like this one, it’s important for the public to know the details of an investigation and how my team and I reached our legal decision.”
Each LEIFI report summarizes the results of the District Attorney’s independent criminal investigation, includes a summary of an autopsy, the outcome of a coroner’s inquest, a legal analysis of the facts, and a determination of criminal liability.
In the case of Ivan Gutzalenko, the Contra Costa District Attorney’s legal analysis determined that the officers’ use of force on March 10th, 2021, was reasonable given the circumstances. The analysis also found insufficient evidence to prove that the force used by the officers caused Mr. Gutzalenko’s death. Therefore, no further action will be taken in this case.
To read the complete LEIFI report on Ivan Gutzalenko, click here.