MILWAUKEE — Family and friends continued their pursuit for justice for D'Vontaye Mitchell on Monday afternoon.
Milwaukee Police said he was found dead outside of the Hyatt Regency Hotel on June 30.
His family retained nationally-known Civil Rights Attorney Ben Crump. Crump said according to Milwaukee Police, the altercation Mitchell had with security at the Hyatt Regency led to his death.
At a press conference right outside the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Mitchell's wife DeAsia Harmon said he didn’t deserve to die this way.
“They murdered him and they are trying to cover it up,” said Harmon.
Harmon said she wants everyone to know that he was a kind and gentle man.
“He was a loving father, a loving husband, a brother, a son," said Harmon. He was so smart and he was fun.”
Crump referenced video witnesses shot of the security officers, which were hired through a third party company, having their knees on Mitchell’s back and neck.
Crump said he believes they killed him. He also called Mitchell’s death a failure of training.
“Everybody in America after George Floyd should have trained their employees, especially their security personnel, to not put knees on people’s backs and people’s necks,” said Crump.
Attorney Will Sulton demanded transparency and accountability in the police investigation.
“We all witnessed a murder," said Sulton. "That’s what it was. You were witnessing it. Everyday in this city. We have people who are charged in 24, 48 and 72 hour increments and you are telling me something that is on video, you can’t make a decision. That is wrong folks.”
That’s why Harmon and the rest of Mitchell’s family said they will make their voices heard until justice is served.
“They’re saying just because of the way he looked or his size or anything, he deserved what they did to him," said Harmon. "No, that’s not right, and I will not stand for that. We will stand together and get justice for Dvontaye.”
The family plans to hold a candlelight vigil for Mitchell on Wednesday at 7pm outside of the Hyatt Regency. His funeral will be on Thursday, July 11 at 11 a.m. at Holy Redeemer Church.
The Milwaukee Police Department issued the following statement on Monday:
"There are no updates and this investigation will be reviewed by the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office for any potential charges. The investigation is ongoing."
The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office issued the following statement on Mitchell’s death:
"The matter has been referred to our office and is currently pending further investigation. There is no timeline for a charging decision at this time."
A Hyatt spokeperson also shared a statement with Spectrum News:
"We extend our heartfelt condolences to Dvontaye Mitchell’s family, all those who knew and loved him, and the Milwaukee community in light of this tragedy.
"Hyatt Regency Milwaukee is a franchised hotel, operated by Aimbridge Hospitality, which is responsible for the management of hotel employees, including the disciplinary actions related to the individuals involved in this incident. We understand Aimbridge Hospitality is still completing its investigation, and to date, has suspended its employees involved in the incident.
"Hotels franchised under Hyatt’s brands are required to comply with Hyatt’s mandatory safety and security standards and ensure that the hotel is a safe and secure environment for guests, colleagues and the public.
"As the investigation continues, Hyatt is fully committed to supporting efforts to help ensure accountability for the circumstances that led to the death of Dvontaye Mitchell."