Family and Friends Mourn D’Vontaye Mitchell, Vow to Seek Justice

Family and friends gathered at the funeral of D’Vontaye Mitchell, a Black man who died after being pinned to the ground by security guards outside a Milwaukee hotel. The emotional service was filled with chants of “Justice for D’Vontaye” as loved ones vowed to push for charges against those responsible for his death.

Mitchell, 43, was held down on his stomach on June 30 outside the hotel after causing a disturbance and fighting with the guards. The preliminary cause of death was ruled a homicide, but no one has been criminally charged yet. Aimbridge Hospitality, the company managing the hotel, has fired several employees involved in Mitchell’s death.

Civil rights leader Rev. Al Sharpton, who delivered the eulogy, emphasized that being fired is not enough and called for criminal prosecution of those responsible. Family members and their lawyers reviewed surveillance video showing Mitchell being chased and beaten by security guards, with one guard allegedly using a baton on him.

Sharpton drew parallels between Mitchell’s death and that of George Floyd, highlighting the need to address racial violence and police brutality. Mitchell’s widow, DeAsia Harmon, described the video footage as “disgusting” and heartbreaking, emphasizing that Mitchell was trying to leave and was not a threat.

As the community mourns Mitchell’s tragic death, they are determined to seek justice and hold those accountable for his untimely passing. The case is currently under review as a homicide by the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s office, with ongoing investigations and calls for transparency in the pursuit of justice.