Two of the four hotel workers charged in connection with the death of D’Vontaye Mitchell are now in custody. Devin Johnson-Carson, 23, and Todd Erickson, 60, are facing felony murder charges after Mitchell, a Black man, died outside a Milwaukee hotel. The incident was recorded on surveillance footage and cellphone videos.
The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office announced the charges earlier this week against the four men involved in the altercation, including off-duty security guard Brandon Turner, 35, and bellhop Herbert Williamson, 52. Warrants have been issued for their arrests.
Mitchell’s death was ruled to be from “restraint asphyxia and toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine” by the county medical examiner. His family’s attorney, Benjamin Crump, mentioned that Mitchell’s mother believed he was experiencing a mental health episode when he entered the women’s bathroom at the hotel.
According to the criminal complaint, Turner initially removed Mitchell from the bathroom and a struggle between them ensued, leading Turner to punch Mitchell before dragging him outside. Turner claimed he intervened after hearing two women screaming inside the bathroom, indicating that Mitchell had entered the bathroom frantically and was trying to lock the door.
The complaint details how Mitchell was restrained by Turner, Johnson-Carson, Erickson, and Williamson in the driveway. They held him down for eight to nine minutes until police and emergency responders arrived, resulting in Mitchell’s death. The report describes Mitchell’s behavior during the encounter as “erratic and confusing” but notes that he did not instigate violence or display aggressive behavior.
All four men were fired from their positions at the hotel, and both Hyatt and Aimbridge Hospitality, which operates the hotel, expressed support for Mitchell’s family and cooperation with the investigation.
The case has sparked national outcry and protests calling for accountability, drawing comparisons to the death of George Floyd in 2020. Crump emphasized the need for justice and accountability in Mitchell’s case, highlighting the excessive and lethal force used against him.
The attorney representing Turner stated that they would work on proving Turner’s innocence in the matter. The legal proceedings and investigations into Mitchell’s death are ongoing, with many closely monitoring the case for developments.
As the community seeks answers and justice in the aftermath of Mitchell’s tragic death, it serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of accountability and transparency in cases involving excessive use of force and violence.
