Four former hotel workers have been charged with felony murder in connection with the death of 43-year-old D’Vontaye Mitchell outside a downtown Milwaukee hotel. The incident, partially captured on video, occurred on June 30 outside the Hyatt Regency.
The defendants include security manager Todd Alan Erickson, front desk agent Devin W. Johnson-Carson, security guard Brandon LaDaniel Turner, and bellman Herbert T. Williamson. The charges stem from an encounter where Mitchell was held down for about eight to nine minutes, leading to his death.
According to court documents, the defendants used various means of force to restrain Mitchell, including striking him multiple times, kicking him, and holding him face down on the ground. Mitchell ultimately died from restraint asphyxia and toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine, as determined by the Milwaukee County medical examiner’s office.
The hotel employees involved were terminated by Aimbridge Hospitality, the hotel operator, following the incident. The defendants are facing potential sentences of up to 15 years and nine months in prison if convicted.
Family members of Mitchell have expressed their desire for accountability, with Mitchell’s widow, DeAsia Harmon, stating that she wants everyone involved to be held responsible for their actions. Mitchell’s mother believes he was experiencing a mental health episode at the time of the incident.
Video footage of the encounter shows Mitchell being restrained by the defendants, with Mitchell audibly pleading and apologizing. The medical examiner ruled the cause of death as restraint asphyxia, attributing it to the actions of the defendants.
The case has drawn attention to the ongoing scrutiny of the use of force, particularly against people of color, by individuals in positions of authority. The defendants are scheduled for preliminary hearings in August as the legal proceedings continue.
