The death of Dvontaye Mitchell, a Black man who was restrained by hotel security guards in Milwaukee last month, is now being treated as a homicide by prosecutors. Mitchell, aged 43, passed away on June 30 outside the Hyatt Regency hotel. Authorities are awaiting the complete autopsy results to further investigate the circumstances surrounding Mitchell’s death and any potential criminal liability related to the actions leading up to it.
The Milwaukee County district attorney’s office shared that they held a meeting with Mitchell’s family’s attorney to provide updates on the ongoing police investigation and prosecutorial review. The attorney was given access to video footage and other evidence pertaining to the case.
Media reports have indicated that Mitchell died after being restrained face down by four security guards following a disturbance he caused upon entering the hotel. Although the initial assessment by the medical examiner’s office labeled his death as a homicide, no criminal charges have been filed as of now.
Ben Crump, a civil rights attorney representing Mitchell’s family, disclosed that Mitchell had mental health issues. Mitchell’s demise has evoked memories of George Floyd’s tragic death in 2020, which led to widespread protests against racial violence and police brutality.
As preparations were underway for the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, the tragic incident coincided with concerns over security measures against potential political protests. The reason behind Mitchell’s presence at the hotel and the events that unfolded before the altercation with the security guards are yet to be fully clarified.
Contrary to an initial report by the Milwaukee County medical examiner indicating Mitchell was homeless, a cousin has disputed this claim. Aimbridge Hospitality, the management company of the Hyatt Regency where the incident occurred, expressed condolences to Mitchell’s family and affirmed cooperation with the investigation.