The death of Dvontaye Mitchell, a 43-year-old Black man, following an encounter with security guards at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Milwaukee has left his family demanding answers and justice. The incident, which occurred on June 30, has reignited discussions about the use of force against people of color and the handling of mental health crises.
According to a statement from family attorney Ben Crump, Mitchell allegedly “caused a disturbance” at the hotel, prompting security guards to intervene. A video circulating on social media shows four guards pinning Mitchell to the ground, with Mitchell audibly pleading and apologizing. The encounter ended tragically, with Mitchell unresponsive when police arrived despite lifesaving measures.
Key developments in the case include:
1. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office has preliminarily classified Mitchell’s death as a homicide, pending further investigation and toxicology reports.
2. The security guards involved have been suspended, and Aimbridge Hospitality, which operates the hotel, is conducting an investigation.
3. Milwaukee Police are not currently treating the incident as a criminal investigation, citing a lack of evidence of “blunt force.”
4. The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office states the case is pending further investigation, with no timeline for a charging decision.
Mitchell’s family, including his widow DeAsia Harmon and mother Brenda Giles, describe him as a loving father and family man who had struggled with depression since his father’s death in 2016. They believe he may have been experiencing a mental health episode during the incident.
The case has drawn comparisons to other instances of excessive force against people of color, particularly in the context of mental health crises. Attorney Ben Crump has criticized the decision not to pursue a criminal investigation, stating, “It is unacceptable that this case is not being considered a criminal investigation despite the fatal outcome, which the medical examiner considers a homicide.”
As the investigation continues, Mitchell’s family and community supporters are calling for transparency, accountability, and a thorough examination of the use of force protocols in such situations. The incident has also sparked broader discussions about the need for improved mental health response training for security personnel and law enforcement.
The Hyatt Regency has expressed condolences to Mitchell’s family and stated their commitment to supporting efforts to ensure accountability. As more details emerge, this case is likely to remain a focal point in ongoing national conversations about racial justice, use of force, and mental health crisis response.
CNN
