On June 30, 2024, 43‑year‑old D’Vontaye Mitchell died after hotel staff restrained him outside the Hyatt Regency in downtown Milwaukee. What happened in those minutes — captured on surveillance and bystander video — has shaped a year of grief for a family, soul‑searching for a city, and a criminal case that is now approaching its final chapter.
Recency check: As of today, no additional public developments have been reported within the last 7 days. The most recent milestone is the July 31, 2025 guilty plea by former security guard Todd Erickson. All four defendants are scheduled for sentencing on September 3, 2025 in Milwaukee County Circuit Court.
The Day Everything Changed (June 30, 2024)
Multiple videos show Mr. Mitchell restrained face‑down outside the Hyatt for roughly 8–9 minutes. Witnesses describe sustained pressure on his back/neck and strikes while he was prone. He lost consciousness and could not be revived. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide, citing restraint asphyxia with contributing factors.
This is not abstract policy talk. Prone restraint kills. The combination of body‑weight compression, reduced chest expansion, and panic physiology can turn “detention” into asphyxiation in minutes.
What the Criminal Cases Show — So Far
Four former Hyatt workers were charged last summer with being party to felony murder. Over the past five months, all four entered pleas:
- Brandon Turner (former security): Guilty — felony murder (March 2025).
- Herbert Williamson (former bellman): Guilty — misdemeanor battery (March 2025).
- Devin Johnson‑Carson (former front‑desk): Guilty — misdemeanor battery (March 2025).
- Todd Erickson (former security): Guilty — felony murder (July 31, 2025).
All four are set for sentencing on September 3, 2025. The family will offer victim‑impact statements. We will press for accountability that matches the harm.
“How Could This Happen?” — The Training Gap
Everyone in America learned hard lessons after George Floyd’s murder. Yet far too often, civilian security teams are still deployed without adequate training and oversight on positional asphyxia and duty of care.
Hotels and property managers must:
- Ban prone restraint and prolonged body‑weight compression;
- Escalate to 911 early, then de‑escalate on scene;
- Audit contractors for real training (not just check‑the‑box certificates);
- Preserve video and incident logs for independent review.
We are working with experts to translate these principles into industry standards that prevent the next family from walking this road.
A Note on the Civil Side
In August 2024, the hotel operator and the family reached a confidential civil settlement. That resolution never replaced the need for criminal accountability and policy reform. Our advocacy continues on both fronts.
What’s Next — Key Date
- September 3, 2025: Sentencing for all four defendants.
We will publish a post‑hearing recap the same day with outcomes, next steps, and any related administrative or licensing actions we will seek.
If You Have Information
Were you a witness? Do you have video, photos, or insight into security training or supervision at the Hyatt in June–July 2024?
Please contact Sulton Law Firm at (xxx) xxx‑xxxx or press@— (media inquiries).
About Sulton Law Firm
We represent people in high‑stakes civil‑rights and injury matters. Our role in this case is simple: tell the truth, protect the family, and change the policies that failed D’Vontaye Mitchell.
This blog is based on public records and court filings available as of the date above and is for informational purposes only; it is not legal advice.
