Black Man's Death Ruled Homicide After Being Restrained by Security Guards Outside Milwaukee Hotel
ICARO Media Group
In a tragic incident, a Black man named D'Vontaye Mitchell, 43, died from suffocation and the effects of multiple drugs after being restrained by security guards outside a hotel in Milwaukee. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner's office announced on Friday that Mitchell's death was ruled a homicide.
According to the final report from the medical examiner, Mitchell's "immediate cause of death" was "restraint asphyxia and toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine." The report also mentioned other contributing factors such as hypertensive cardiovascular disease and morbid obesity.
The incident took place on June 30, outside the downtown Hyatt Regency hotel, when four security guards pinned Mitchell face down on the ground. The medical examiner's report specified that Mitchell was "restrained in prone position" by multiple individuals after using drugs. Unfortunately, when authorities arrived, he was unresponsive, and despite lifesaving measures, he was pronounced dead.
Prior to the confrontation with security guards, Mitchell had entered the hotel lobby in a frantic state, appearing to be panting. Witnesses, including hotel staff and guests, observed him hiding behind objects in the lobby. Hotel staff asked him to leave, but instead, he ran into the women's bathroom, attempting to lock himself inside while women were present.
Distressed by Mitchell's actions, women inside the bathroom screamed, prompting two security guards to intervene and remove him from the premises. The medical examiner's report indicated that Mitchell was combative with the security guards, attempting to reach into their pockets. A physical struggle ensued, and Mitchell was ultimately dragged out of the hotel through the front entrance, with two additional security guards assisting.
Disturbingly, a bystander captured a video of the incident, which revealed the extent of the altercation. At least one security guard was seen kneeling on Mitchell's back, while another was near his head. The others held his legs and arms down. Shockingly, one of the guards even struck Mitchell's head multiple times with an object. Throughout the struggle, Mitchell could be heard grunting and pleading for help.
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Mitchell's family, drew parallels between Mitchell's death and that of George Floyd, a Black man who died in police custody in Minneapolis last year. Crump emphasized that Mitchell's mother believed he was experiencing a mental health episode and called for immediate charges against the security officers involved.
In response to the incident, the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office has confirmed that they are reviewing Mitchell's death. Meanwhile, the Hyatt hotel chain has already suspended the employees involved in the incident, as announced by a spokesperson in July.
Mitchell's tragic demise has once again highlighted the need for scrutiny regarding the use of force by security personnel. As the investigation progresses, the grieving family and their legal representative are resolved to seek justice for Mitchell's untimely death in the midst of a mental health crisis.
Note: The information provided is based on the details available in the source text, and further updates may emerge as the investigation continues.