Joel Acevedo Died From Blunt Force Trauma To The Head Caused By Severe Beating Perpetrated By Off-duty Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Mattioli At A House Party

Acevedo died from blunt forced trauma to the head resulting in fatal injuries to his brain when he was severely beaten by off-duty Milwaukee Police Officer Mattioli who held a house party at his home.

By H. Nelson Goodson

Hispanic News Network U.S.A.

April 28, 2020

Milwaukee, WI - On Sunday, Joel Acevedo, 25, of Milwaukee died from brain injuries caused by battery resulting in blunt force trauma to the head when he was severely beaten by off-duty Milwaukee Police Officer Michael Mattioli, 32, at a house party hosted by him.

Mattioli was taken into custody for pending battery charges and later made bail after posting a $50K bail. The Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office is reviewing the criminal case and Mattioli could face additional felony charges in Acevedo's homicide.

Apparently, Acevedo never recovered from being unconscious and was ultimately declared brain dead a week later at St. Luke's hospital.

According to police, on Sunday, April 19, 2020, at approximately 7:40 a.m., the Milwaukee Police Department responded to a battery complaint on the 4500 block of W. Cleveland Avenue involving an off-duty Milwaukee police officer. 

The off-duty officer was identified as Mattioli, who allegedly was involved in an altercation with Acevedo at Mattioli's home. When responding police officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Acevedo, who was unresponsive. He had sustained serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Mattioli was not injured in the battery incident, according to police.

Mattioli has over 13 years of service with the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD). Per MPD's Standard Operating Procedure, Mattioli was placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of the case. If criminally charge, Mattioli could be terminated from the MPD.


Update: Statement from the FPC Executive Director, April 29, 2020:   

Griselda Aldrete, the Executive Director of the Milwaukee Fire and Police Commission released the following statement, "There has been several inquiries regarding the FPC meeting tomorrow regarding Officer Mattioli. While I’m not able to speak on the details of an ongoing investigation, I can state that as the Executive Director I will ensure the Commissioners have all relevant information on the matter."    

"This is a tragic event and we all feel that.    "As the Board has always done, they are committed to the process with integrity and much transparency as legally allowed.    

"Once more details are available my office will share those with the media and community."