Victim’s Story: The Life and Tragic Death of a Milwaukee Man

Well, folks, it seems we’ve got another case of overzealous security gone wrong. This time, it’s not your run-of-the-mill mall cop fiasco, but a full-blown tragedy at a swanky Milwaukee hotel. Buckle up, because this story’s got more twists than a pretzel factory, and it’s bound to leave a bad taste in your mouth.

The Incident

On June 30, 2023, what should have been an ordinary day at the Hyatt Hotel in Milwaukee turned into a nightmare for D’Vontaye Mitchell and his family. Mitchell, a 35-year-old Black man, entered a women’s bathroom at the hotel, setting off a chain of events that would ultimately lead to his untimely death.

Four hotel employees—Todd Erickson, Devin Johnson-Carson, Herbert Williamson, and Brandon Turner—have been charged with felony murder in connection with Mitchell’s death. These men, who were tasked with ensuring guest safety, now face up to 15 years and nine months in prison if convicted.

The Altercation

According to surveillance footage and witness accounts, Mitchell was forcibly removed from the women’s bathroom and restrained for 8–9 minutes outside the hotel. During this time, Mitchell showed clear signs of distress, pleading for help and struggling to breathe.

“Mitchell displayed ‘clear signs of extreme distress, including gags, distressed breathing, and repeated pleas for help,'” – Devin Johnson-Carson, as reported in the complaint

The criminal complaint states that all four defendants were aware that holding Mitchell face-first on the ground was “practically certain” to cause impairment of his physical condition. Despite this, they continued to restrain him until he lost consciousness.

The Aftermath

An autopsy revealed that Mitchell was morbidly obese and had ingested cocaine and methamphetamine. The cause of death was determined to be “restraint asphyxia.” The county medical examiner stated that Mitchell might have survived if the employees had allowed him to turn onto his side.

“Our hearts are with Mr. Mitchell’s family and loved ones as this case moves forward,” – Aimbridge Hospitality statement

Aimbridge Hospitality, the company managing the Hyatt Hotel, has fired several employees involved in the incident and is cooperating with law enforcement. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Mitchell’s family, has criticized the delay in charging the employees and drawn parallels to the 2020 death of George Floyd.

The Implications

This tragic incident raises serious questions about the training and protocols in place for hotel security personnel. It also highlights the ongoing issues of excessive force and racial bias in security and law enforcement situations.

As this case progresses through the legal system, it will undoubtedly spark further debate about the responsibilities of private security personnel and the need for better training in de-escalation techniques and recognizing medical emergencies.

The death of D’Vontaye Mitchell serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences when security measures go too far, and the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, regardless of the circumstances.

Sources

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Second person connected to D’Vontaye Mitchell's death in custody; third suspect retains an attorneyhttps://t.co/8GtdbeMAR0

— 620 WTMJ (@620wtmj) August 8, 2024

Milwaukee WI – 3000 Block N Buffum St – Fatal Shooting – Victim fatally shot at this location, pronounced deceased after life saving efforts. #Milwaukee #Wisconsin #USFiR

— USFiR2015 (@USFiR2015) June 30, 2024

CHARGES IN D'VONTAYE MITCHELL CASE: 60-year-old Todd Erickson and 23-year-old Devin Johnson-Carson are in jail for the death of a man outside of a Milwaukee hotel. @CBS58 pic.twitter.com/Jxma9cP79h

— Kathryn Merck TV (@KathrynMerckTV) August 8, 2024