A Tragic Night at the Hyatt: When Security Goes Too Far
Folks, buckle up. We’re diving into a story that’s got more twists and turns than a country road. It’s a tale of a night gone wrong, overzealous hotel employees, and a man who paid the ultimate price. This isn’t just another crime story; it’s a wake-up call for anyone who thinks security personnel can do no wrong. So, grab your coffee and let’s get to the facts.
The Incident: June 30, 2023
On a summer night in Milwaukee, what should have been a routine security matter at the Hyatt Hotel turned deadly. D’Vontaye Mitchell, a guest at the hotel, entered a women’s bathroom, setting off a chain of events that would end in tragedy.
Four hotel employees – Todd Erickson, Devin Johnson-Carson, Herbert Williamson, and Brandon Turner – took matters into their own hands. They dragged Mitchell out of the hotel and restrained him for 8-9 minutes, ignoring his pleas for help and signs of distress.
“Mitchell displayed ‘clear signs of extreme distress, including gags, distressed breathing and repeated pleas for help,'” Devin Johnson-Carson reported, as stated in the complaint.
The Aftermath: Charges and Consequences
Fast forward to August 2023, and the hammer of justice finally drops. The four employees are charged with felony murder, facing up to 15 years and nine months in prison if convicted.
An autopsy revealed Mitchell was morbidly obese and had ingested cocaine and methamphetamine. However, the cause of death was determined to be “restraint asphyxia.” The county medical examiner stated, “Mitchell may have lived if the employees allowed him to turn onto his side,” as reported in the complaint.
BREAKING- Felony murder charges filed against 4 people in the death of #DVontayeMitchell @WISN12News pic.twitter.com/GIV7RbLRZu
— Derrick Rose (@DRoseTV) August 6, 2024
The Response: Corporate Action and Legal Representation
Aimbridge Hospitality, the hotel’s managing company, didn’t waste time in damage control. They fired several employees involved and are cooperating with law enforcement.
“Our hearts are with Mr. Mitchell’s family and loved ones as this case moves forward,” Aimbridge Hospitality stated in a press release.
Meanwhile, civil rights attorney Ben Crump has taken up the case for Mitchell’s family, criticizing the delay in charging the employees. The incident has drawn comparisons to George Floyd’s 2020 death, adding fuel to the ongoing debate about excessive force and racial bias in security and law enforcement.
As this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder that security measures, when taken to extremes, can lead to devastating consequences. It’s a balancing act between maintaining order and respecting human dignity – one that these hotel employees tragically failed to achieve.
Sources
- 4 hotel employees charged with being party to felony murder in connection with Black man’s death
- 4 hotel employees charged with being party to felony murder in connection with Milwaukee man’s death
- 4 hotel employees charged with being party to felony murder in connection with Black man’s death
- D’Vontaye Mitchell, who died after being pinned to the ground in Milwaukee, died from asphyxia and drugs, autopsy report says
- Felony murder charges filed against four men in the death of D’Vontaye Mitchell
- Death of D’Vontaye Mitchell officially ruled a homicide
- What we know about D’Vontaye Mitchell, a Black man who died after being pinned to the ground in Milwaukee
