Ex-Hotel Staff Charged in Fatal Restraint Case Echoing Floyd Incident
Four former Hyatt Regency employees in Milwaukee face felony murder charges for the death of D'Vontaye Mitchell during a restraint incident. The case draws parallels to George Floyd's death, reigniting discussions on restraint practices.
In a case reminiscent of George Floyd's tragic death, four former employees of the Hyatt Regency hotel in Milwaukee have been charged with felony murder. The charges stem from an incident on June 30, 2024, resulting in the death of D'Vontaye Mitchell, a 43-year-old Black man.
The Milwaukee County District Attorney's office filed charges against Todd Erickson, Brandon Turner, Devin Johnson-Carson, and Herbert Williamson on August 6, 2024. The four men, who held various positions at the hotel, face up to 15 years and nine months in prison if convicted.
The incident began when Mitchell entered the hotel lobby in what prosecutors described as a "frantic manner." A confrontation ensued, leading to a physical altercation that moved outside the hotel. The four defendants allegedly restrained Mitchell in a prone position for eight to nine minutes, during which he reportedly stopped showing signs of life.
This case has brought attention to the risks associated with prone position restraints, a practice that has been controversial in law enforcement and security contexts. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office ruled Mitchell's death a homicide, attributing it to restraint asphyxia.
"Please" and "I'm sorry"
The incident has drawn parallels to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis approximately four years ago, which sparked global protests against police brutality and racial injustice. Like the Floyd case, cellphone footage captured crucial moments of the altercation, including Mitchell's pleas and labored breathing.
DeAsia Harmon, Mitchell's widow, expressed mixed feelings about the charges, stating, "It's a relief. I'm grateful that they're charging them with something. I'm not satisfied."
This case has reignited discussions about security practices in the hospitality industry and the broader issue of racial disparities in Milwaukee. The city has a complex history of racial segregation and has been working on initiatives to improve community relations and address systemic inequalities.
The Hyatt Regency Milwaukee, a 481-room hotel in downtown Milwaukee, dismissed the four employees following the incident. This event has put a spotlight on hotel security practices and the training provided to staff in handling difficult situations.
As the legal process unfolds, this case is likely to contribute to ongoing conversations about the use of restraints, the role of bystander video in documenting such incidents, and the need for comprehensive training in de-escalation techniques for security personnel.
