The tragic death of D’Vontaye Mitchell, a Black man, has led to serious charges against four Milwaukee hotel employees. This incident has raised significant concerns, drawing comparisons to the 2020 murder of George Floyd, which sparked nationwide protests and a reckoning on race relations.
The Incident: What Happened to D’Vontaye Mitchell?
On June 30, D’Vontaye Mitchell entered the Hyatt Hotel in Milwaukee and, according to surveillance footage, frantically ran into the lobby, then into the gift shop, and eventually the women’s bathroom. Moments later, Brandon Turner, an off-duty security guard visiting the staff, dragged Mitchell out by his shirt. This initial confrontation escalated into a violent struggle.
Turner, along with security manager Todd Erickson, front desk worker Devin Johnson-Carson, and bellhop Herbert Williamson, held Mitchell down on his stomach for eight to nine minutes. During this time, Mitchell repeatedly struggled and pleaded for help, displaying clear signs of distress.
The Charges: Party to Felony Murder
The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office has charged all four employees with being a party to felony murder. If convicted, each faces up to 15 years and nine months in prison. The criminal complaint details the actions of the employees and the severe distress Mitchell experienced before his death.
The complaint emphasizes that the employees’ actions—holding Mitchell face down despite his pleas and obvious distress—were “practically certain” to impair his physical condition. This assertion is supported by the autopsy, which concluded that Mitchell died of “restraint asphyxia.” The medical examiner noted that he might have survived if allowed to turn onto his side.
Comparing to George Floyd’s Death: A Disturbing Parallel
D’Vontaye Mitchell’s death has drawn comparisons to George Floyd’s murder. Both cases involve Black men who died after being restrained face down and pleading for help. The similarities in these tragedies highlight ongoing issues of systemic racism and the excessive use of force.
Eyewitness Accounts and Video Evidence
Eyewitness video captured by a bystander, which has circulated on social media, shows the employees restraining Mitchell with their knees on his back and neck. Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Mitchell’s family, emphasized the brutal nature of the incident and the clear signs of distress Mitchell exhibited.
Legal and Family Reactions
Mitchell’s widow, DeAsia Harmon, expressed relief at the charges but questioned why they took so long. She noted the evident brutality captured on camera and the immediate danger her husband faced.
Hotel Management’s Response
Aimbridge Hospitality, which manages the Hyatt Hotel, has stated that several employees involved in the incident have been fired. The company has cooperated fully with law enforcement and expressed condolences to Mitchell’s family.
Key Points from the Criminal Complaint
- Incident Overview: Mitchell entered the women’s bathroom, prompting a confrontation with hotel staff.
- Employee Actions: Turner, Erickson, Johnson-Carson, and Williamson restrained Mitchell face down for eight to nine minutes.
- Distress Signs: Mitchell repeatedly pleaded for help and showed signs of extreme distress.
- Autopsy Findings: Mitchell suffered from restraint asphyxia, aggravated by his morbid obesity and ingestion of cocaine and methamphetamine.
Broader Implications: Addressing Systemic Issues
The death of D’Vontaye Mitchell underscores the urgent need to address systemic issues in handling confrontations, particularly involving Black individuals. The parallels to George Floyd’s death highlight persistent problems within security and law enforcement practices.
Conclusion: Seeking Justice and Change
As the case against the four hotel employees progresses, it’s essential to remember the broader context of racial injustice and the need for systemic change. D’Vontaye Mitchell’s death is a stark reminder of the consequences of excessive force and the importance of accountability.
Key Takeaways
- Incident Summary: Mitchell’s death at the hands of hotel employees has led to charges of felony murder.
- Legal Proceedings: The charged employees face significant prison time if convicted.
- Eyewitness and Autopsy Evidence: Videos and autopsy results support claims of excessive force and distress.
- Systemic Issues: The case echoes the systemic problems highlighted by George Floyd’s death.
- Hotel Response: Aimbridge Hospitality has terminated involved employees and is cooperating with authorities.
