Milwaukee, WI
D'Vontaye Mitchell death: What comes next?
What comes next after D’Vontaye Mitchell’s autopsy report completed
The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office found employees responsible for the June 30 death of D’vontaye Mitchell at the Hyatt Regency hotel downtown.
MILWAUKEE – The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office found employees responsible for the June 30 death of D’vontaye Mitchell at the Hyatt Regency hotel downtown.
Now, prosecutors will decide where the case goes from here.
The Milwaukee Police Department recommended four people be charged with felony murder on July 5, but prosecutors stated they needed Mitchell’s autopsy results before making a decision.
A widow’s wait for justice could soon be over.
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“They could’ve just waited on the police,” Mitchell’s widow, DeAsia Harmon, said on Friday. “You beat him to death. That’s horrible. For 15 minutes.”
Friday, the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the 43-year-old’s death a homicide by restraint asphyxia and the toxic effects of cocaine and methamphetamine. It means Mitchell couldn’t breathe because of the way his body was positioned.
Now, University of Wisconsin law professor John Gross said he thinks prosecutors will act quickly.
“You have somebody who’s resisting, but they’re resisting in a passive way,” Gross said. “When he’s prone on the ground, and what we see doesn’t indicate any type of active physical violence toward any of the other people who are trying to drag him out of the hotel […] the repeated punching in his face is very difficult, I think, to justify as necessary to achieve some other objective.”
But Gross pointed out the felony murder charge police recommended against four people is interesting in Wisconsin, because state law essentially defines it as a sentence enhancer.
“So, even if they had no intention of causing the death of someone, if a death resulted during the course of the commission of another felony, then they can charge felony murder,” he said.
Prosecutors would have to charge the defendants with one of 13 other crimes, like misdemeanor battery, to then tack on felony murder.
That would allow the judge to add up to 15 years to a sentence.
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Though Gross said it puts the judge in a precarious position.
“How will that signal to the victim’s family, to the community, to everybody involved, the seriousness of the behavior and the result?” he asked.
As part of plans for a protest outside the district attorney’s office on Monday, Aug. 5, the Mitchell family said it wants prosecutors to bring first-degree intentional homicide charges against the now-former Hyatt employees.
Milwaukee Police Department (MPD)
MILWAUKEE – Milwaukee police are investigating a shooting that injured a 33-year-old on Monday afternoon, May 25.
What we know:
The shooting happened around 3:55 p.m. near 39th and Ruby. The victim was taken to a local hospital for medical treatment.
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Police said the circumstances leading up to the shooting remain under investigation. They are still searching for unknown suspects.
What you can do:
Anyone with information is asked to call Milwaukee police at 414-935-7360. To remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or use P3 Tips.
The Source: The Milwaukee Police Department provided information.
Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee police investigate crash that left pedestrian with life-threatening injuries
MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee police are investigating a crash that left a 52-year-old pedestrian with life-threatening injuries Sunday evening.
The crash happened at 6:21 p.m. near North 19th Place and West Hampton Avenue, according to a press release issued by police Monday.
Following the crash, police said the pedestrian was taken to the hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries and that the driver remained on the scene.
The release did not say whether any arrests were made or provide an update on the condition of the 52-year-old.
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MILWAUKEE — Inside a Milwaukee funeral home Sunday, students in a gun violence prevention program took part in a mock funeral meant to show the devastating impact violence can leave behind.
The emotional exercise at New Golden Gate Funeral Home was part of the “I Will Not Die to Gun Violence” initiative, a 10-week violence prevention program for adults and young people involved in or impacted by gun-related cases.
Watch: Why one Milwaukee man is working to advocate against gun violence by teaching students conflict resolution in his “I Will Not Die to Gun Violence” initiative, and how the program is making a difference.
Milwaukee anti-gun violence initiative prepares to graduate first class
It was created by founder Monte Mabra after his brother, 48-year-old Latroy Harris, was shot and killed in December.
“My brother’s memorial service was here,” Mabra said through tears during the event.
“This is taboo for me. I didn’t think this was going to to happen.”
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The program teaches conflict resolution and gun violence awareness.
Ten students are set to graduate this week after meeting twice a week throughout the spring.
Mabra said some participants joined through social media outreach while others were referred through the courts.
During the mock funeral, participants portrayed grieving family members mourning an 8-year-old boy killed by gun violence.
Mabra said participants were later invited to walk up to the casket. Inside was a mirror.
“There’s a mirror there today to represent it could’ve been you. It can happen to anyone,” Mabra said.
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Student Robert Johnson said the experience felt personal.
“This could be any of us,” Johnson said.
Johnson said the program helped him think differently about high-risk situations and the people around him.
“It helps me,” Johnson said. “Gives me different tools on the day-to-day basis on ways to think, high risk situations, people I should stay away from.”
Student Dan Cross said the program challenged participants to think more deeply about violence and where it comes from.
“Violence comes in different shapes, colors and sizes and a lot of it comes from social conditioning,” Cross said.
“I’m a gun owner and father of four. This is a great way to break cycles of violence and teach my children better.”
Antonio D. Brown, the man accused of killing Harris, is expected back in court this week.
“I never wanted revenge… My hope and my wish is with this program you’re able to identify the thinking and decisions you make,” Mabra added.
Mabra said seven spots remain open for the program’s next summer session.
For questions or information about the initiative, you can call (414) 306-2107.
Let’s talk:
Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.
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