On June 30, 2024, the downtown Milwaukee Hyatt Regency became the stage for a tragic confrontation that resulted in the death of 43-year-old D’Vontaye Mitchell. The event unfolded with Mitchell’s frantic behavior inside the hotel, which escalated to a violent and fatal encounter outside the premises. Surveillance footage has recently been released, capturing the disturbing last moments of Mitchell's life and prompting felony murder charges against four hotel employees.
The individuals charged are Todd Alan Erickson, the security manager; Devin W. Johnson-Carson, a front desk agent; Brandon LaDaniel Turner, a security guard; and Herbert T. Williamson, a bellman. The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office announced the charges after a thorough investigation revealed that Mitchell was restrained for approximately eight to nine minutes on the hotel’s concrete driveway. The charges reflect the severe nature of the actions taken by these employees, who allegedly used excessive force while detaining Mitchell.
According to court documents, Mitchell's death was a result of "restraint asphyxia" and the toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine. The medical examiner's report, released on August 2, confirmed that the manner of death was homicide. The video evidence shows Mitchell being held face-down, with employees applying various forms of physical restraint, including punches, kicks, and baton strikes. The footage depicts Mitchell's desperate pleas for help, revealing a harrowing sequence of events leading to his death.
Williamson, one of the charged employees, claimed he acted under orders from management. In an interview with WTMJ-TV, Williamson expressed deep regret, stating, “All I did was come out of the hotel; I was told by management to hold him down, and I did what I was told to do. I deeply, truly apologize to D’Vontaye Mitchell’s family.” His remorse, however, does not absolve the gravity of the incident or the systemic issues it exposes.
The encounter has ignited broader discussions about the use of force, especially against people of color, and the inadequacies in handling individuals in distress. Mitchell’s family and their attorney, William Sulton, have been vocal about the excessive force employed by the hotel staff. Sulton emphasized, “What caused his death was the fact that four people beat him to death on the sidewalk and jumped on top of him.”
The tragic event reflects ongoing societal concerns about the treatment of distressed individuals and the responsibilities of security personnel. Despite the legal consequences faced by the hotel employees, the case highlights the need for rigorous reform in training and protocols to prevent such incidents in the future. The Milwaukee Police Department's response and the timing of their arrival at the scene remain subjects of scrutiny, adding to the overall tension and demand for justice.
Mitchell’s widow, DeAsia Harmon, while appreciative of the charges, insists on full accountability. She stated, “I just want everyone to be held accountable for what they did to him.” The severity of the charges against the hotel employees, potentially leading to sentences of up to 15 years and nine months in prison, demonstrates the gravity of their alleged misconduct.
As the legal proceedings continue, the Milwaukee community and beyond await further developments in this case. The incident not only demands a thorough examination of the actions of the Hyatt Regency staff but also calls for a critical review of protocols for dealing with individuals in crisis, aiming to prevent such fatal outcomes in the future.
