Milwaukee County, Wisconsin, the United States on the 6th of a local prosecutor to a hotel, 4 employees charged with kneeling, beating a black man to death.
Recently released video shows Devontaye Mitchell, a 43-year-old black man, being dragged out of the lobby of a local hotel on June 30 after a confrontation with guests and staff. Outside, Mitchell was punched, kicked and kneeled on the concrete for eight to nine minutes by four hotel staff, including a receptionist, concierge and two security guards.
Witnesses said the men kneeling on Mitchell pressed on his neck, back and arms, while another hit Mitchell on the head with a retractable baton. Local media said the incident was reminiscent of a black man, George Floyd, who was killed by a white policeman by “Kneeling on his neck” in the street.
The indictment alleges that Mitchell was reprimanded for struggling and pleading for his life while being held down on his knees. Mitchell showed no signs of life when police and paramedics arrived. Prosecutors said in the indictment, the incident in the hotel, Mitchell “Ran wild,” rushed into the gift shop and the ladies’ room, and scuffled with a guest.
Video screenshot
An autopsy report released by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s office on August 2 concluded that Mitchell’s death was a homicide caused by restraint asphyxiation and the toxic effects of drugs. Prosecutors have charged the four hotel employees with murder. They face up to 15 years and nine months in prison if convicted, local media reported.
William Sultan, a lawyer for the Mitchell family, said the four accused beat Mitchell to death and knelt on him, which was the cause of his death.