Milwaukee, WI

Death of Black man pinned down by security guards outside Milwaukee hotel ruled homicide

Published

2 years ago

August 4, 2024

Death of Black man pinned down by security guards outside Milwaukee hotel ruled homicide

MILWAUKEE — The death of Black man who was pinned to the ground by security guards outside a Milwaukee hotel has been ruled a homicide, according to an autopsy released Friday.

D’Vontaye Mitchell suffocated while being restrained on June 30 and was suffering from the effects of drugs in his system, according to findings issued by the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s office.

The findings state that Mitchell’s immediate cause of death was “restraint asphyxia and toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine.” The homicide ruling confirms the medical examiner’s office’s preliminary finding made last month that Mitchell’s death was a homicide

The Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office said previously that it and police investigators were awaiting full autopsy results and that the case was being reviewed as a homicide.

The Associated Press sent an email and left a phone message Friday for the district attorney’s office seeking comment on the autopsy report and asking whether its findings would be taken into consideration when decisions on charges are made.

The autopsy, signed Wednesday by assistant medical examiner Lauren A. Decker, states that Mitchell’s “injury” happened while he was “restrained in prone position by multiple individuals after drug (cocaine, methamphetamine) use.”

It also states that Mitchell had the “significant conditions” of hypertensive cardiovascular disease and morbid obesity. A separate demographic report released by the medical examiner’s office states that Mitchell was 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and weighed 301 pounds (137 kilograms).

The medical examiner’s office also released an investigative report on Friday that said Mitchell “was restrained by four people after being combative in the hotel lobby.”

READ MORE | Milwaukee, Wisconsin hotel employees fired after death of Black man who was pinned to ground

“He reportedly went unresponsive while staff awaited police arrival,” the report said.

Mitchell died after he was held down on his stomach by security guards outside a Hyatt Regency hotel. Police have said he entered the hotel, caused a disturbance and fought with the guards as they were escorting him out.

Relatives of Mitchell and their lawyers had previously reviewed hotel surveillance video provided by the district attorney’s office. They described seeing Mitchell being chased inside the hotel by security guards and then dragged outside where he was beaten.

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is part of a team of lawyers representing Mitchell’s family, has said video recorded by a bystander and circulating on social media shows security guards with their knees on Mitchell’s back and neck. Crump has also questioned why Milwaukee authorities had not filed any charges related to Mitchell’s death.

Crump and Mitchell’s family said Friday in a statement that the autopsy findings and homicide ruling “demand immediate charges against” those involved in Mitchell’s death.

“Mitchell was in the midst of a mental health crisis and, instead of abiding by their duty to protect and serve, the security officers and other Hyatt staff used excessive force that inflicted injury resulting in death,” the statement says. “We will not rest until we achieve justice for Mitchell and his grieving family.”

Aimbridge Hospitality, the company that manages the hotel, said previously that several employees involved in Mitchell’s death have been fired.

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Milwaukee, WI

City funding awarded for redevelopment at 2618 N. Milwaukee

Published

10 hours ago

July 15, 2026

Press Room

City funding awarded for redevelopment at 2618 N. Milwaukee

The City of Chicago has awarded a $3 million Community Development Grant for the redevelopment of the former Grace’s Furniture building at 2618 N. Milwaukee. Planned by Bluestar Properties and Marc Realty, the building was built in 1914 as a storage warehouse and sits within the Logan Square Boulevards District.

2618 N. MilwaukeeGoogle Maps

With K2 Studio serving as the architect, the existing structure will be converted into a four-story health club with a ground floor restaurant and cafe. Set to be known as Logan Square Athletic Club, the health club will be operated by Chicago Athletic Clubs.

The redevelopment will rehabilitate the existing brick facade along N. Milwaukee Ave while creating a new brick facade on the south elevation.

2618 N. MilwaukeeK2 Studio

The $11 million development will be supported in part by the $3 million Community Development Grant, which is funded through the city’s Housing and Economic Development bond.

According to Block Club Chicago, the project is expected to begin construction in Fall 2026 with construction expected to last for one year, with the gym set to open in late 2027.

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Milwaukee, WI

16-year-old shot in Milwaukee; police seek suspects

Published

22 hours ago

July 14, 2026

Press Room

16-year-old shot in Milwaukee; police seek suspects

A teen was shot in Milwaukee on the afternoon of July 14, and the Milwaukee Police Department is asking the public for information about the incident.

Police said a 16-year-old was shot in the 2700 block of North 44th Street around 4:23 p.m., according to a news release. The circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation.

Milwaukee police are looking for unknown suspects.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Milwaukee Police Department at 414-935-7360 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or submit a tip through the P3 Tips app.

Adrienne Davis is a general assignment and breaking news reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Got any tips or stories to share? Contact Adrienne at amdavis@gannett.com. Follow her on X at @AdriReportss.

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Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee cooling centers, heat advisory tips; what to know

Published

1 day ago

July 14, 2026

Press Room

Milwaukee cooling centers, heat advisory tips; what to know

article

MILWAUKEE – The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Milwaukee and all of southeastern Wisconsin from noon Tuesday through 8 p.m. Wednesday, with heat index values expected to reach the upper 90s to around 100 degrees.

While the advisory is expected to end Wednesday evening, hot and humid conditions are forecast to continue through the remainder of the week.

Forecast conditions can change, so everyone is encouraged to monitor local forecasts and follow guidance from the National Weather Service.

Milwaukee County cooling sites

What we know:

Cooling sites are available throughout Milwaukee County.

For an updated list of cooling locations, heat safety information, and resources on preventing heat-related illness, visit the City of Milwaukee website or call 211.

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Staying safe during extreme heat

What you can do:

Stay cool

Limit outdoor activities, especially during the hottest part of the day.
Spend time in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible such as libraries, shopping centers, or community centers.
If you have an air conditioner, make sure it is installed and working properly.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
Take cool showers or baths, or use cool, wet towels to lower body temperature.
Fans may provide comfort but should not be relied upon as the primary cooling method during extreme heat.

Stay hydrated

Drink water regularly, even if you do not feel thirsty.
Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.
Encourage children, older adults, and others at higher risk to drink fluids throughout the day.

Protect yourself and others

Never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in vehicles. Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can become deadly within minutes.
Check on older neighbors, family members, and others who may need assistance staying cool.
Many public cooling sites are located along Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) routes. Visit RideMCTS.com for transit information.