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Family gathers outside hotel where man died
It has been nearly a week since Dvontaye Mitchell died after security guards tried to restrain him outside a downtown Milwaukee hotel.
MILWAUKEE - It has been nearly a week since Dvontaye Mitchell died after security guards tried to restrain him outside a downtown Milwaukee hotel.
WARNING: Video associated with this story may not be appropriate for all viewers. Discretion is advised.
Now, the 43-year-old man's family is asking for community support and for his story to reach the masses. They said he did not deserve to die the way he did, and they want more answers and accountability.
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Family remembers Mitchell
Loved ones held a vigil and balloon release in remembrance of Dvontaye Mitchell on Saturday, July 6. They gathered outside the Hyatt Regency hotel on Kilbourn Avenue; it's where Mitchell took his last breath.
"He was a happy person, he loved to draw, he loved to talk," said Nayisha Mitchell, Dvontaye's sister.
Family of Dvontaye Mitchell gathers for a balloon release outside the Hyatt Regency hotel
The family said they want the community and elected leaders to support their cause – not wanting to see another life end the same way.
"Every time people pull up to the Hyatt Regency to book a room, I want Dvontaye Mitchell’s name to come up," said Latrisa Giles, Dvontaye's cousin.
Mitchell's wife has retained an attorney. Ben Crump, the civil rights attorney who represented George Floyd's family, is representing the Mitchell family.
Hotel video
Cellphone video shows Dvontaye Mitchell underneath what looks like four security guards who are trying to restrain him outside the hotel. In the video, Mitchell appears to be saying "Help" and "I'm sorry."
Police said Mitchell walked into the hotel and caused a disturbance. Witnesses said he locked himself inside a bathroom with a woman. His family said he struggled with mental illness.
Hyatt Regency hotel, Milwaukee
"I don’t care what it is that they’re saying he did. Whatever it was, he didn’t deserve to be killed," Nayisha Mitchell said.
"We really want to call for a boycott of this hotel. They murdered my brother on these grounds," said Darrell Giles, Dvontaye Mitchell's brother.
Ongoing investigation
The Milwaukee Police Department said its homicide unit is investigating Dvontaye Mitchell's death, and the case is not yet criminal.
"Y’all said he came up in a hotel, causing a disturbance, causing problems – where’s that? We need to see it," said Nayisha Mitchell.
"We want it all, show proof. Show us he was wrong," said Karl Haris, Dvontaye's cousin.
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Hyatt issued a statement saying a third-party operator is investigating, and the involved employees are suspended. Mitchell's family wants more.
"Tired, I’m devastated, I’m frustrated," said Brenda Giles, Dvontaye's mother.
FOX6 reached out to MPD for an update on where the case stands Saturday, but did not hear back.