Milwaukee Hotel Staff Charged in Guest's Death After Restraint Incident
Four Hyatt Hotel employees face felony murder charges following D'Vontaye Mitchell's death after a restraint incident. The case involves surveillance footage and concerns about use of force.
In a recent development, four employees of a Hyatt Hotel in Milwaukee have been charged with felony murder in connection with the death of D'Vontaye Mitchell. The incident, which occurred on June 30, 2024, has raised questions about security practices and use of force in private establishments.
According to legal documents, the situation unfolded when Mitchell entered a women's restroom at the hotel. Subsequently, staff members forcibly removed him from the premises and restrained him for approximately eight to nine minutes. During this time, Mitchell reportedly experienced breathing difficulties and repeatedly requested assistance.
A post-mortem examination revealed that Mitchell suffered from morbid obesity and had consumed cocaine and methamphetamine prior to the incident. These factors may have contributed to his vulnerability during the restraint.
Surveillance footage from the hotel, reviewed by Mitchell's family and their legal representatives, allegedly shows security personnel pursuing Mitchell inside the building before forcibly removing him. A bystander's video, circulating on social media platforms, purportedly depicts security guards applying pressure to Mitchell's back and neck area during the restraint.
Ben Crump, a prominent civil rights attorney representing Mitchell's family, has raised concerns about the use of force and the delay in filing charges related to the incident. The case has drawn attention to the broader issues of security protocols in private establishments and the potential risks associated with certain restraint techniques.
"Several employees involved in the incident have been terminated from their positions."
This case highlights the complex interplay between private security measures and public safety concerns. It also underscores the importance of proper training for security personnel and the potential consequences of excessive force.
As the legal proceedings unfold, this incident may prompt discussions about the responsibilities of businesses towards customer safety and the appropriate use of force in non-law enforcement contexts. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for hotel security practices and similar industries moving forward.
