Former MPD officer seeks change of venue in death of Joel Acevedo

Former MPD officer seeks change of venue in death of Joel Acevedo

Protests erupted on the streets of Milwaukee as a former police officer made an appearance in court on a homicide charge.

MILWAUKEE - Protesters rallied throughout the summer, calling for justice in the deaths of both George Floyd and Joel Acevedo, and Monday, March 8, dozens took to the streets of Milwaukee to share that message again. Acevedo's father, Jose, addressed the crowd after the former Milwaukee police officer accused in his son's death appeared in court for a motion hearing, thanking them for their support.

The group marched to 6th and Greenfield, where a mural of Acevedo was painted last summer. They say their pursuit of justice is far from over.

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From the steps of the Safety Building, the group said enough is enough on racial injustice. They want accountability in Acevedo's death.

"They held him for 11 minutes and 22 seconds," said Elizabeth Brown, an advocate with Justice Wisconsin. "Let that sink in. Let that sizzle in your spirit that he begged to go home and barely could breathe."

Michael Mattioli faces a homicide charge for the death of Joel Acevedo last spring. Prosecutors say Mattioli used a chokehold on Acevedo during a fight off-duty in April 2020. Acevedo died six days later. Mattioli pleaded not guilty to reckless homicide in the case in December.

In court for a motion hearing, Mattioli asked the judge for three things before the eventual trial gets underway: Mattioli wants Acevedo’s medical records, he wants the trial moved out of Milwaukee County and for about 40 minutes of his own statements to be suppressed.

There were arguments from the defense about whether Mattioli was read his rights when the statements were made.  The judge allowed them.  She denied the request for medical records but allowed them for review.  She’s also taking under advisement the request to change venues.  The defense argued protests erupting outside during the hearing should necessitate it.

After the hearing, the Acevedo family thanked the crowd rallied outside for their support, saying Joel's life was wrongly taken from him by Mattioli.

"I know my son," said Jose Acevedo. "My son was not being belligerent. He was not cursing at them. He was begging to go home. Let me go home!"

From there, the group took their protest to the streets, marching down 6th Street to Milwaukee's south side, where a mural of Acevedo was painted last summer. They say this is about inspiring change in law enforcement, the criminal justice system and society as a whole.

"For these families, this pain is nothing but re-traumatizing," said Brown. "We can no longer ask for the system to change. We gotta be the change."

And ensuring Acevedo's story isn't forgotten -- as the case inches closer to trial.

"Let their evidence speak for itself because my son was murdered. He was quieted. They hushed him up!" said Jose Acevedo.

Protesters say that change comes in the form of elections and voting for people that will actually work for the people. They also oppose Mattioli's request for a change in venue.