MILWAUKEE, Wis. –– Nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has been retained by the family of 43-year-old Dvontaye Mitchell, a Black man who was killed by security guards outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel on Sunday, June 30.
According to Milwaukee police, Mitchell entered the hotel and “caused a disturbance.” Police say he had an altercation with security guards while being escorted out and was “detained” until police arrived. Mitchell’s mother believes he was suffering from a mental health episode. Mitchell was unresponsive when officers got there and was pronounced dead on the scene.
Milwaukee police said Monday that they are not considering the case a criminal investigation because there is no evidence of “blunt force.” Mitchell’s mother does not understand their reasoning and believes that security killed her son. A witness reported seeing three to four security guards with their knees on Mitchell’s neck and back and one of them striking him in the head with an object.
Attorney Crump issued the following statement:
“It is deeply troubling that we have lost another Black man in an encounter with security personnel, raising serious concerns about the use of force, lack of accountability, and absence of mental health considerations. The circumstances surrounding Dvonyaye’s death outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel are disturbing and as described by a witness, reminiscent of the killing of George Floyd. Dvontaye’s family is now left searching for answers and justice in the face of this tragic loss.
“We demand a thorough and transparent investigation into the actions of the security guards involved in this incident. It is unacceptable that this case is not being considered a criminal investigation despite the fatal outcome, which the medical examiner considers a homicide. The fight for justice for Dvontaye Mitchell has just begun, and we will not rest until those responsible are held accountable.”
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ABOUT BEN CRUMP LAW
Through his work, nationally renowned civil rights and personal injury attorney Ben Crump has spearheaded a legal movement to better protect the rights of marginalized citizens. He has led landscape-changing civil rights cases and represented clients in a wide range of areas including civil rights, personal injury, labor and employment, class actions, and more. Ben Crump Law is dedicated to holding the powerful accountable. For more information, visit bencrump.com.
