News Summary
Four former employees at the Hyatt Regency in Milwaukee were sentenced following the death of D’Vontaye Mitchell, who died during a hotel altercation. The incident, which raised questions about the hotel staff’s actions, resulted in a suspended sentence for one employee and probation for others. Family members expressed discontent with the sentences, reflecting broader concerns about systemic issues surrounding mental health crises and accountability.
Milwaukee – Four former employees at the Hyatt Regency in Milwaukee have been sentenced following their involvement in the death of D’Vontaye Mitchell, who died on June 30, 2024. The charges stem from an incident where Mitchell, 43, caused a disturbance at the hotel leading to a confrontation with hotel staff that ultimately resulted in his death.
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner concluded that Mitchell’s death was a result of “restraint asphyxia and toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine.” The incident has raised questions surrounding the actions of the hotel employees and the circumstances leading to Mitchell’s untimely demise.
Circuit Court Judge David Swanson oversaw the sentencing and indicated that multiple factors contributed to Mitchell’s death. He noted the roles played by the four staff members and Mitchell’s pre-existing health issues during the altercation. The employees included a security guard, Todd Alan Erickson, and another security guard named Brandon Turner, along with two bellmen, Herbert T. Williamson and Devin W. Johnson-Carson.
Erickson, who is 61 years old, received a suspended sentence of two years imprisonment along with two years of probation. Meanwhile, Turner was sentenced to a year of probation after pleading guilty to felony murder. Williamson and Johnson-Carson were sentenced to time already served, with Williamson having spent ten days in jail and Johnson-Carson four days.
Prosecutors described Erickson as the most culpable in the case and requested a prison sentence. However, the judge expressed that the punishment felt inadequate, as it held one individual accountable for a broader systemic issue, acknowledging that others also contributed to the circumstances of Mitchell’s death.
Family members of D’Vontaye Mitchell voiced their discontent with the sentences, indicating that the justice system had failed them and the sentences felt unjust, likening the outcome to “getting away with murder.” They stressed that during the altercation, Mitchell was pinned down for approximately eight to nine minutes before emergency services arrived, discovering him unresponsive at the scene.
Security footage from the hotel captured moments of the incident, showing Mitchell pleading for help while being restrained by the four employees. At the time of the altercation, Mitchell was experiencing what was described as a “mental health crisis.” Family attorney Ben Crump attributed his death to the excessive force used by hotel staff during this vulnerable time.
Following the incident, all four employees were terminated by Ambridge Hospitality, the management company of the Hyatt Regency. Additionally, a confidential settlement was reached between Mitchell’s family and Hyatt in the aftermath of the event.
The case garnered significant public attention, drawing comparisons to the police killing of George Floyd in 2020 due to the racial dynamics involved, as Mitchell was also a Black man. This incident resonated deeply with ongoing discussions surrounding racial violence and accountability in the treatment of individuals in crisis.
The family of D’Vontaye Mitchell expressed ongoing frustration with the procedures that unfolded in this case, feeling they did not reflect true justice for their loss. The emotional and societal implications of this incident are indicative of broader concerns surrounding the treatment of individuals experiencing mental health issues and the accountability of those in positions of authority.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
- WISN 12 News
- ABC News
- Wikipedia: Restraint Asphyxia
- NBC 15 News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Mental Health
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
