Former Milwaukee police officer Michael Mattioli is charged with first-degree reckless homicide in the 2020 death of his friend 25-year-old Joel Acevedo. Acevedo died several days after Mattioli, who was off duty, had put him in an extended chokehold during a party at Mattioli's home. Prosecutors say Mattioli put Acevedo in a chokehold after an argument. The fight between the two occurred after a night of drinking among four friends at Mattioli’s house. Mattioli told police he awoke to find Acevedo going through the pockets of the pants Mattioli was wearing. Acevedo was told to leave, but he punched another person, which led to Mattioli restraining him. While holding Acevedo down, Mattioli phoned 911. Gasping noises, distressed breathing and loud snorting could be heard over the phone as Mattioli struggled to communicate with dispatchers while also restraining Acevedo. Mattioli has since resigned from the police department after serving as an officer since 2009. If convicted, Mattioli faces up to 40 years in prison and another 20 years on extended supervision. |