Michael Mattioli
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett on Monday, June 1 renewed his call for the firing of Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Mattioli, facing a charge of first-degree reckless homicide in connection with the death of Joel Acevedo following a fight inside Mattioli's home near 45th Street and W. Cleveland Avenue on April 19. Prosecutors said Mattioli indicated he "held (Acevedo) on the ground" after Acevedo tried stealing from him and punched another man in the home. It happened the morning after the off-duty officer hosted a get-together at his home. Acevedo died six days later at the hospital.
Mattioli has been free on bond -- suspended from the department, but still receiving a paycheck -- pending an investigation by the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission.
Below is the statement from Mayor Barrett Monday:
Joel Acevedo
After Mayor Barrett initially called for Mattioli's termination in a letter to Milwaukee Police Chief Alfonso Morales, the chief issued this resopnse:
Chief Morales reiterated that response Monday with this statement:
Protest for Joel Acevedo outside Michael Mattioli's home
The FPC on May 19 took an unprecedented step --demanding the Milwaukee Police Department's Internal Affairs Division immediately cease all investigations relative to Officer Michael Mattioli, and turn over all documents in the case.
This FPC investigation, separate from the criminal investigation, relates to whether Mattioli violated MPD policies and procedures in the case.
While Morales said the discipline lies with the FPC, and FPC spokesman said the chief is the only one allowed to render discipline.
Joel Acevedo's family spoke out for the first time Friday, May 29 -- following the death of George Floyd on Memorial Day in Minneapolis. They gathered outside Mattioli's home -- and called for more accountability in Acevedo's death.