Charges Filed
Prosecutors charged four Milwaukee hotel employees on Tuesday with being party to felony murder in connection with the death of D’Vontaye Mitchell. The incident has drawn comparisons to the murder of George Floyd, sparking concerns about race relations and police brutality.
The Accused
The accused employees are hotel security guard Todd Erickson, front desk worker Devin Johnson-Carson, bellhop Herbert Williamson, and security guard Brandon Turner. If convicted, each faces up to 15 years and nine months in prison.
Reached by telephone, Erickson referred requests for comment to his attorney, Michael Steinle, who did not return messages. It remains unclear if the other three employees have legal representation.
Incident Overview
According to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office, arrest warrants have been issued for all four employees. The office did not respond to inquiries regarding their arrest status or legal representation.
A criminal complaint states that on June 30, the employees dragged Mitchell out of the Hyatt Hotel and held him on his stomach for eight to nine minutes after he entered a women’s bathroom. Mitchell reportedly struggled to breathe and pleaded for help during the incident.
Autopsy Results
An autopsy revealed that Mitchell suffered from morbid obesity and had ingested cocaine and methamphetamine. The medical examiner determined that Mitchell died of “restraint asphyxia” and noted he might have survived if allowed to turn onto his side.
Surveillance Footage and Witness Accounts
Hyatt surveillance footage shows Mitchell frantically running into the hotel lobby, entering the women’s bathroom, and being dragged out by Turner. Turner then punched Mitchell and, with the help of a bystander, dragged him out of the hotel.
Williamson, Johnson-Carson, and Erickson joined Turner in restraining Mitchell. The video shows Mitchell trying to break free and Erickson hitting him with a baton before he stops moving. A witness’s video captured Mitchell moaning and apologizing during the restraint.
Hotel Management’s Statement
Aimbridge Hospitality, the company managing the hotel, stated that it had cooperated fully with law enforcement and will continue to do so. The company confirmed that several employees involved in the incident have been fired. “Our hearts are with Mr. Mitchell’s family and loved ones as this case moves forward,” the statement said.
