Four former hotel workers entered not guilty pleas to charges of felony murder in connection with the case of D’Vontaye Mitchell, a 43-year-old Black man who tragically died this summer after an incident outside a downtown Milwaukee hotel. The workers, including a security manager, desk agent, security guard, and bellman, faced the court in Wisconsin and denied the allegations brought against them.
The encounter between the workers and Mitchell occurred on June 30 and has drawn attention amid ongoing scrutiny of the use of force, particularly against people of color, by authorities. The incident, partially captured on video, unfolded as the nation continues to grapple with issues of racial injustice and police brutality.
While two of the defendants were granted bail after reductions in the amounts, Mitchell’s mother expressed her opposition to the bail reduction during the court proceedings. The defense attorneys for the workers maintained that their clients did not commit a crime and were responding to a potentially dangerous situation that could have endangered hotel staff and guests.
If convicted, the defendants could face up to 15 years and nine months in prison for their involvement in Mitchell’s death. The autopsy report revealed that Mitchell died from restraint asphyxia and toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine, with the manner of death classified as a homicide.
During a preliminary hearing, a forensic pathologist and a police detective provided testimony regarding the autopsy findings and the altercation captured on hotel security video. The defense raised questions about other potential factors contributing to Mitchell’s death, such as obesity and drug use.
All four workers have been terminated from their positions by Aimbridge Hospitality, the operator of the Hyatt Regency hotel where the incident took place. The defendants are scheduled to appear in court again on October 15 as the legal proceedings continue.
