4 Hotel Workers Facing Felony Murder Charges Following Death of D’Vontaye Mitchell

Mar. 15, 2025

Protesters march following following D’Vontaye Mitchell’s death.Photo:Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty

Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty

Four Milwaukee hotel workers are facing felony murder charges following D’Vontaye Mitchell’s death on June 30.

Per theAssociated Press, those charged are hotel security guards Todd Erickson and Brandon Turner, front desk worker Devin Johnson-Carson, and bellhop Herbert Williamson.

A spokesperson for Aimbridge Hospitality told PEOPLE in a statement, “Our hearts are with Mr. Mitchell’s family and loved ones as this case moves forward. We have cooperated fully with law enforcement in their investigation into this tragic incident and will continue to cooperate with the district attorney.”

PEOPLE has also reached out to Erickson’s attorney Michael Steinle for comment. It is not immediately clear whether the other employees have attorneys.

Per the AP, if the four workers are convicted, they would each would face up to 15 years and nine months in jail.

Protesters march following D’Vontaye Mitchell’s death.Jeremy Hogan/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty

“Four Hyatt employees involved in the death of D’Vontaye Mitchell have been charged — a significant step towards justice for the family of D’Vontaye Mitchell!” attorney Ben Crump, who is among the team of lawyers representing Mitchell’s family, wrote while sharing a link to an article onX(formerly known as Twitter).

“The fact that D’Vontaye was held face down on the pavement for eight to nine minutes –– just like George Floyd –– is a sobering reminder of the urgent need for accountability and justice. D’Vontaye’s life mattered, and his story will not be forgotten!” Crump added in anotherXpost.

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According to the complaint, Johnson-Carson stated Mitchell showed “clear signs of extreme distress, including gags, distressed breathing and repeated pleas for help,” the AP reported.

“All of these factors, the gasping, the actions and words of DM, the distress that he was in, show that all four defendants were aware that holding DM face first on the ground was ‘practically certain’ to cause impairment of his physical condition,” the complaint stated, per the AP.

The Milwaukee Police Department previously shared apress releaseon July 12, which read, “On July 5, 2024, felony murder charges with the underlying charge of battery were referred to the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office against four individuals.”

“These charges are under review and pending with the District Attorney. This is an ongoing investigation. MPD communicates regularly with the District Attorney and will provide them with additional information if received,” the release added at the time.

“The Milwaukee Police Department expresses our deepest sympathy and condolences to the family and loved ones of Mr. Mitchell,” police concluded.

source: people.com