Former Hotel Security Guard Pleads Guilty in Milwaukee Man’s Death

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Plea Deal Reached in 2023 Hyatt Incident as Legal Proceedings Continue for Co-Defendants

A former hotel security guard has pleaded guilty in the high-profile death of D’Vontaye Mitchell, a Milwaukee man who died after being restrained by multiple employees at a Hyatt Hotel last summer.

Brandon Turner, one of four individuals initially charged with being party to felony murder, entered a plea agreement that could result in probation in exchange for his testimony against the others involved. His sentencing is scheduled for September 3.

Incident Details

The events unfolded on June 30, 2023, when Mitchell ran into the hotel lobby and entered the women’s restroom. Two women later reported that Mitchell attempted to lock them inside.

Turner and a hotel guest reportedly scuffled with Mitchell and dragged him from the lobby to the hotel driveway. According to court documents, security guard Todd Erickson, bellhop Herbert Williamson, and front desk worker Devin Johnson-Carson joined Turner in pinning Mitchell to the ground for approximately eight to nine minutes.

By the time emergency personnel arrived, Mitchell was unresponsive.

Medical Findings and Legal Classification

The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office reported that Mitchell, who had a history of heart disease and was morbidly obese, also had cocaine and methamphetamine in his system. The cause of death was determined to be suffocation, and the manner of death was ruled a homicide.

This finding paved the way for felony murder charges against the four hotel employees.

Civil Rights Concerns and Comparisons to George Floyd

Attorneys for Mitchell’s family have drawn parallels between his death and that of George Floyd, the Black man who was murdered in 2020 by a Minneapolis police officer. Mitchell was also Black. According to court records, Erickson is white, while Turner, Williamson, and Johnson-Carson are Black.

Mitchell’s family and supporters have raised questions about excessive force and the appropriate role of security staff, especially in handling non-violent or mental health-related incidents.

Legal Timeline for Remaining Defendants

The court has scheduled the following upcoming hearings:

• March 13: Plea hearing for Herbert Williamson
• March 30: Plea hearing for Devin Johnson-Carson
• June 27: Pre-trial hearing for Todd Erickson

All four employees were terminated by Aimbridge Hospitality, the hotel’s management company, shortly after the incident.

Looking Ahead

Turner’s plea and potential testimony may play a pivotal role in the outcome of the remaining cases. Legal experts note that plea deals involving cooperation often signal strong prosecutorial interest in pursuing full accountability, particularly in cases involving wrongful death and excessive use of force.

As the court process continues, the incident remains a somber reminder of the importance of de-escalation training, proper use-of-force policies, and clearer accountability for both hotel and private security personnel.