The recent death of a Black man at a Wisconsin hotel has left his family seeking answers. Dvontaye Mitchell, 43, was involved in an altercation with security guards at the downtown Hyatt Regency in Milwaukee on June 30. Mitchell was escorted out of the hotel after allegedly causing a disturbance.
Witnesses captured parts of the encounter on video, showing four security guards pinning Mitchell to the ground while he pleaded with them. Despite efforts to save him, Mitchell was pronounced dead upon police arrival.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office has classified Mitchell's death as a homicide, pending further investigation. The incident has reignited discussions about the use of force, especially against people of color, by authorities.
Mitchell's family is devastated by his death, with his widow expressing concerns about security personnel. The security guards involved have been suspended, and an investigation by Aimbridge Hospitality, the hotel's operator, is ongoing.
Despite calls for a criminal investigation, Milwaukee Police are not treating the case as such due to the absence of evidence of blunt force. The Milwaukee County District Attorney's office is yet to make a charging decision.
Described as a loving and outgoing individual, Mitchell's family believes he may have been experiencing a mental health episode during the incident. Friends and family gathered for a vigil outside the hotel, demanding justice for Mitchell.
The tragic event serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Black individuals in encounters with law enforcement and authority figures.
