Joel Acevedo death; family sues MPD employees, current and former, for $15M

The family of Joel Acevedo filed on Friday, April 14 a lawsuit against current and former employees of the Milwaukee Police Department in connection with the death of Acevedo in April 2020.

MILWAUKEE - The family of Joel Acevedo filed on Friday, April 14 a lawsuit against current and former employees of the Milwaukee Police Department in connection with the death of Acevedo in April 2020. They are demanding damages in excess of $15 million.

Attorneys say Acevedo died after an off-duty officer, Michael Mattioli, held him in a chokehold. The attorney representing the family says the statute of limitations expires next week – the three-year anniversary of Acevedo's death.

"It’s very hard to see a loved one taken away like that," said Jose Acevedo, Joel's father.

Joel Acevedo

"My son’s life mattered," said Maribel Acevedo, Joel's mother.

Acevedo was killed after a party in April 2020. Prosecutors charged Mattioli with first-degree reckless homicide. Mattioli was an off-duty police officer at the time. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge – claiming self-defense.

Attorney B'Ivory LeMarr says Mattioli put Acevedo in a chokehold.

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"Joel Acevedo was choked for approx. 11 minutes and 20 seconds," LaMarr said.

B'Ivory LaMarr, Acevedo family attorney

Acevedo died nearly a week later. The Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission has since banned Milwaukee police officers from using chokeholds.

"There’s unfinished business that needs to take place in this case," LaMarr said.

On Friday, LeMarr filed a civil lawsuit on behalf of Acevedo's family. They are seeking $15 million in damages. In addition to Mattioli, the family is suing MPD Officer Robert Roach, who responded to the incident.

Michael Mattioli

"We believe that he deferred from acting immediately to prevent Michael Mattioli from orchestrating this chokehold," LaMarr said.

Alfonso Morales, who was MPD's police chief at the time, is also listed as a defendant.

Alfonso Morales

"We believe that he maintained – well aware – these chokeholds were being orchestrated," LaMarr said.

Mattioli's criminal trial is set for June.

LaMarr said the Acevedos still have not seen body camera footage.

"Justice is going to be served. I truly believe that. Justice is going to be served," said Jose Acevedo.

Maribel and Jose Acevedo

Milwaukee police say Roach is still an employee with the department. Officials had no other comment.

FOX6 News reached out to Morales and Mattioli's attorney, but did not hear back.