D’Vontaye Mitchell Death: Four People Charged with Felony Murder

In a most unfortunate event that has stirred Milwaukee, four people are now facing felony murder charges in relation to the death of a 43-year-old Black man, D’Vontaye Mitchell. The occurrence has also reignited the long-standing discussions surrounding police violence and racial profiling.

The Incident that Led to the Charges

D’Vontaye Mitchell reportedly lost his life on June 30 in a gruesome encounter that saw him forcibly restrained on the ground for approximately eight to nine minutes. This dreadful event happened outside a hotel in downtown Milwaukee, with parts of the shocking incident being captured on video. The charges are now being levelled against four hotel workers who’ve been implicated in the event.

The individuals facing the charges are Todd Alan Erickson, the security manager; Devin W. Johnson-Carson, a front desk agent; security guard Brandon LaDaniel Turner; and bellman Herbert T. Williamson. At present, arrest warrants have been issued for all four by the office of Milwaukee County District Attorney John Chisholm.

Details that Emerge from the Documents

On June 30, Mitchell was seen entering the hotel in what appeared to be a terrified state. Upon entering the building, he hid behind objects within the lobby and went into a women’s restroom, seemingly in an attempt to lock himself in. Subsequently, he was forcefully evacuated from the hotel by its employees, held facedown on the outside concrete, and then got into an altercation with the security personnel. Sadly, this arguably avoidable encounter eventually ended in Mitchell’s death.

According to a medical examiner’s investigation report, Mitchell passed away due to a combination of “restraint asphyxia and toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine.” His death was officially ruled a homicide following the conclusion of the autopsy.

The charging documents reveal that during the horrifying event, Mitchell was assaulted by the four defendants. They used “various means of force”, striking and kicking him while restraining him on the ground. Mitchell was reportedly held by his “back, shoulders and arms”, with one defendant even appearing to strike him using a collapsible baton.

Reactions and Statements

Unfortunately, the charges come against a backdrop of increased scrutiny of violence used by those in authority, especially instances that involve people of color. This is a concern that has been present ever since the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer, which sparked nationwide protests and international criticism.

D’Vontaye Mitchell’s death has been staunchly disputed by an attorney representing his family. The attorney, William Sulton, categorically rejected the notion that the cause of Mitchell’s death had anything to do with drug use or health conditions. Instead, he argued that Mitchell died as a direct result of the violent assault perpetrated by the four men.

If proven guilty of the charges, the four defendants could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years and nine months.