Milwaukee is making headlines again as the final piece of a tragic puzzle falls into place. On July 31, 2025, Todd Erickson, a 59-year-old former security guard at the Hyatt Regency, pleaded guilty to felony murder in the heartbreaking death of D’Vontaye Mitchell, a 43-year-old Black man. This plea came just days before his trial was set to begin on August 11, marking a significant turn in a case that shook the nation. Let’s dive into the details of this shocking incident and the latest updates!
What Happened to D’Vontaye Mitchell?
On June 30, 2024, D’Vontaye Mitchell’s life was cut short outside the Hyatt Regency in downtown Milwaukee. The trouble started when Mitchell, visibly distressed, ran through the hotel lobby, entered a women’s restroom, and was escorted out by security guard Brandon Turner. What followed was a chaotic struggle in the lobby, captured on surveillance footage. Turner punched Mitchell, knocking him down, and with help from a hotel guest, dragged him outside. There, a female employee hit Mitchell with a broom, and Turner landed about six more punches.
The situation escalated as Erickson, Turner, Herbert Williamson, and Devin Johnson-Carson pinned Mitchell face down for nearly nine minutes. A bystander’s Facebook Live video captured Mitchell’s desperate cries of “I’m sorry” before he stopped moving. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled his death a homicide due to “restraint asphyxia”—a condition where breathing is blocked by body position. This brutal encounter has left the community reeling.
The Guilty Plea and Charges
Erickson’s guilty plea to felony murder is a big step toward justice. In Wisconsin, this charge carries a maximum of 15 years in prison, though no sentencing recommendation has been set yet. Judge David Swanson hinted that Erickson’s willingness to take responsibility might influence his sentencing on September 3, 2025—the same day as the other defendants. Erickson remains free on bond for now.
The other three men involved—Turner, Williamson, and Johnson-Carson—have also faced the music:
- Brandon Turner (35) pleaded guilty in March to felony as a party to a crime, agreeing to testify in exchange for a probation recommendation.
- Herbert Williamson (53) opted for a misdemeanor battery charge, which could mean up to nine months in jail or a $10,000 fine.
- Devin Johnson-Carson (24) also pleaded guilty to misdemeanor battery in March, with prosecutors suggesting probation for his cooperation.
A Case That Sparked Outrage
Mitchell’s death drew chilling parallels to George Floyd’s 2020 killing, sparking protests and demonstrations in Milwaukee, especially ahead of the Republican National Convention (July 15-18, 2024). The case gained national attention, with civil rights attorney Benjamin Crump—known for representing families of Floyd, Tyre Nichols, and Breonna Taylor—stepping in. Crump, alongside local attorneys Will Sulton and B’Ivory Lamarr, secured a settlement for Mitchell’s family with Aimbridge Hospitality, the Hyatt’s third-party operator, which fired all four employees after the charges.
Mitchell’s sister, Nayisha, and cousin, Latrisa, have been vocal, holding a vigil outside his mother’s home on July 24, 2024, demanding justice. The incident has fueled debates about the use of force and accountability.
Fact Check
- Incident Date and Cause: Confirmed by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office, Mitchell died on June 30, 2024, due to restraint asphyxia after being restrained for about nine minutes.
- Charges and Pleas: Court records and local news (e.g., Milwaukee Journal Sentinel) verify Erickson’s July 31, 2025, guilty plea, Turner’s March 2025 deal, and Williamson and Johnson-Carson’s misdemeanor pleas.
- Video Evidence: Surveillance and Facebook Live footage, as cited in the criminal complaint and testified by Detective Martin Saavedra in August 2024, corroborate the sequence of events.
- Settlement: Aimbridge Hospitality’s firing of the employees and the settlement with Mitchell’s family were reported by Crump’s office and verified by local sources.
A Step Toward Healing
With Erickson’s plea, the legal process is moving forward, offering a glimmer of hope for Mitchell’s family and the community. Sentencing on September 3, 2025, will be a critical moment. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for better training and accountability in security practices. Stay tuned for updates as justice unfolds
