Four Employees Charged with Felony Murder in Heartbreaking Death of D’Vontaye Mitchell

The recent charges against four former Milwaukee hotel employees for the death of 43-year-old D’Vontaye Mitchell have sparked significant public attention and outrage.

The incident, which occurred on June 30, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency hotel, led to Mitchell’s tragic death, which has been ruled as homicide by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office. The charges and the surrounding details paint a grim picture of the events that transpired and raise important questions about the use of force and the responsibilities of security personnel.

On June 30, D’Vontaye Mitchell, who was reportedly panhandling outside the Hyatt Regency hotel, ran into the building in a frantic state.

Surveillance footage shows him attempting to lock himself inside a women’s restroom, where two women were already present. This act initiated a series of confrontations with the hotel staff, including security manager Todd Erickson, front desk agent Devin Johnson-Carson, security guard Brandon Turner, and bellman Herbert Williamson.

He was forcibly removed from the restroom by Turner and was then escorted through the lobby. A struggle ensued during which Mitchell was punched multiple times, both while standing and after being knocked to the ground.

The confrontation escalated outside the hotel, where Mitchell was pinned face down on the concrete by the four employees. Despite Mitchell’s repeated attempts to break free, he was held down for approximately eight to nine minutes until he stopped showing signs of life.

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s autopsy report concluded that Mitchell’s death resulted from “restraint asphyxia” compounded by the toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine.

This determination led to charges of felony murder against Erickson, Johnson-Carson, Turner, and Williamson. According to court documents, the four men used excessive force, including punching, kicking, and applying pressure to Mitchell’s back, shoulders, and arms.

Attorney Benjamin Crump, representing Mitchell’s family, expressed relief at the filing of charges but emphasized that true justice would only be achieved with convictions. Mitchell’s family has been vocal about their desire for accountability and systemic changes to prevent such incidents in the future.

The incident and subsequent charges have drawn parallels to the death of George Floyd in 2020, highlighting ongoing concerns about the use of force by security personnel, particularly against people of color.

Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson called for justice and reflection on the tragic outcome, underscoring the preventable nature of Mitchell’s death.

Protests and demonstrations have taken place, with Mitchell’s family and community supporters demanding justice. The charges, which could lead to sentences of up to 15 years and nine months if convicted, are seen as a step towards accountability, but the community’s pain and outrage remain palpable.

The death of D’Vontaye Mitchell has brought to light critical issues regarding the responsibilities and actions of security personnel in high-stress situations.

The charges against the four former hotel employees underscore the need for thorough investigations and appropriate responses to such incidents.