A shocking incident has shaken a hotel in Milwaukee, its community, and the nation. We’re talking felony murder charges. Let’s dive into this Milwaukee mess and see what’s really going on behind those hotel doors.
The Incident at the Hyatt
On June 30, what should have been a routine day at the Hyatt Hotel in Milwaukee turned into a tragic event that would lead to felony murder charges against four hotel employees. D’Vontaye Mitchell, a guest at the hotel, entered a women’s bathroom, setting off a chain of events that would ultimately result in his death.
According to reports, Mitchell was dragged out of the hotel, punched multiple times, and restrained for 8-9 minutes. During this time, he reportedly showed signs of distress, pleaded for help, and had difficulty breathing. The situation escalated quickly, and what might have started as an attempt to maintain order in the hotel ended in a loss of life.
The Charges and Potential Penalties
Four Milwaukee hotel employees – Todd Erickson, Devin Johnson-Carson, Herbert Williamson, and Brandon Turner – have been charged with being party to felony murder in connection with Mitchell’s death. If convicted, they could face up to 15 years and nine months in prison.
According to the complaint, Johnson-Carson stated Mitchell showed “clear signs of extreme distress, including gags, distressed breathing and repeated pleas for help.”
The charges come after surveillance video showed details of the altercation, and an autopsy revealed that Mitchell died of “restraint asphyxia” and the effects of cocaine and methamphetamine.
The Aftermath and Response
Aimbridge Hospitality, the company managing the hotel, has fired several employees involved in the incident and is cooperating with law enforcement. The company released a statement expressing sympathy for Mitchell’s family.
“Our hearts are with Mr. Mitchell’s family and loved ones as this case moves forward,” Aimbridge Hospitality said in a statement.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, representing Mitchell’s family, has criticized the delay in charging the employees and compared the incident to George Floyd’s 2020 death. The case has sparked discussions about the use of force in private security settings and the responsibilities of hotel staff in dealing with difficult situations.
As this case moves forward, it will undoubtedly raise questions about training, protocols, and the fine line between maintaining order and endangering lives. For now, four hotel employees face serious charges, a family mourns the loss of a loved one, and the hospitality industry is left to grapple with the implications of this tragic event.
Sources
- https://apnews.com/article/milwaukee-hotel-death-dvontaye-mitchell-24faa32179b76c2d2effeaf604ed2ac0
- 4 hotel workers charged with felony murder in death of man captured being pinned down
More from Around the Web
Protest held for D’Vontaye Mitchell:
Happening right now: Loved ones of D’Vontaye Mitchell are protesting outside the Milwaukee Co. District Attorney’s Office calling for murder charges to be filed against the four Hyatt Regency employees who held him down to the ground before he died June 30. @WISN12News pic.twitter.com/d2UpdlQH5a
— Madison Moore (@MadisonMooreTV) August 5, 2024
