Ex-Hotel Staff Plead Not Guilty in Guest's Death at Milwaukee Hyatt
Four former Hyatt Hotel employees in Milwaukee have entered not guilty pleas to felony murder charges related to a guest's death. The incident, involving restraint of the victim, has drawn comparisons to the George Floyd case.
In a recent development in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, four former Hyatt Hotel employees have pleaded not guilty to felony murder charges. The case stems from an incident that occurred on June 30, 2024, resulting in the death of D'Vontaye Mitchell.
The accused, Todd Erickson, Brandon Turner, Herbert Williamson, and Devin Johnson-Carson, entered their pleas during arraignment proceedings on August 22, 2024. These individuals, who held various positions at the hotel, including security guards, bellhop, and front desk worker, are alleged to have been involved in restraining Mitchell for an extended period.
According to court documents, surveillance footage and bystander video captured Mitchell entering the hotel's lobby and women's restroom. Two women reported that Mitchell attempted to lock them inside. The situation escalated when Turner and a hotel guest engaged in a physical altercation with Mitchell, eventually removing him from the lobby.
The incident took a tragic turn when all four accused allegedly pinned Mitchell to the ground for approximately eight to nine minutes. By the time emergency services arrived, Mitchell had ceased movement. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's Office, established in 1852, determined the cause of death as suffocation and ruled it a homicide.
"My client was attempting to protect hotel guests from Mitchell. We intend to contest any connection between Mitchell's death and Johnson-Carson's actions."
The case has drawn parallels to the 2020 murder of George Floyd, sparking discussions about racial injustice and excessive force. Mitchell, like Floyd, was Black, while the racial composition of the accused varies.
The medical examiner's report noted that Mitchell was morbidly obese and had heart disease, factors that may have contributed to the outcome. Additionally, toxicology results revealed the presence of cocaine and methamphetamine in his system.
In their defense, the accused workers claimed that Mitchell displayed significant strength and attempted to bite Erickson. They maintain that they had no intention of causing harm.
Aimbridge Hospitality, one of the world's largest hotel management companies overseeing the Hyatt in question, terminated the employment of all four individuals in July 2024.
This case highlights the complex interplay of security, guest safety, and use of force in the hospitality industry. As the legal proceedings continue, it underscores the need for proper training and protocols in handling challenging situations within public accommodations.
