MILWAUKEE, WI – In an alarming development, charges of felony murder have been issued against four employees of the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Milwaukee in relation to the death of D’Vontaye Mitchell, a Black man.
Mitchell’s death, which transpired at the hotel on June 30, came under scrutiny after video footage revealed he was held down by the employees during what his family reported was a mental health crisis.
The charged individuals have been identified as Todd Alan Erickson, a security guard; Devin W. Johnson-Carson, a front desk agent; Brandon Ladaniel Turner, an off-duty security guard; and Herbert T. Williamson, a bellman. Arrest warrants have been issued for the four as per the announcement made by the Milwaukee District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday.
The video footage brought to light that Mitchell had been restrained while he lay face down for an extended period of 8 to 9 minutes until the arrival of police and emergency responders. Over the course of this time, Mitchell exhibited diminishing signs of life, ultimately ceasing to show any movement or resistance.
Recounting their experience, Erickson said that Mitchell displayed strong resistance, while Williamson noted that Mitchell continually inquired about his wrongdoings while being pinned down. Turner, who admitted to punching Mitchell several times, recalled seeing Mitchell harassing a guest. Johnson-Carson, on the other hand, shared that Mitchell mentioned something about breathing while being restrained.
The four employees, who have been terminated due to this incident, were working under Aimbridge Hospitality, the hotel management firm.
Aimbridge Hospitality has extended support to law enforcement with their ongoing inquiry into the incident and expressed sympathy with Mitchell’s family as the legal proceedings advance.
Lawyer Ben Crump, representing Mitchell’s family, lauded the charges as a substantial stride towards justice but stressed the urgent need for accountability. Mitchell’s widow, Deasia Harmon, expressed relief at the charges but condemned the delay in the investigation process.