Dontrell "Cockroach" Hamilton is a minor antagonist in the second season of the television series Luke Cage, which is part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He is a violent and ruthless criminal operating in Harlem, who poses a significant threat to both the community and the main characters.
He was portrayed by Dorian Crossmond Missick.
Biography[]
Origins and Return to the Streets[]
Dontrell Hamilton is one of many criminals who were prematurely released from prison. His release was secured through the actions of corrupt NYPD detective Rafael Scarfe, the former partner of Misty Knight. This immediately puts Hamilton in conflict with Misty, who feels personally responsible for his return to the streets.
Upon regaining his freedom, Hamilton quickly resumes his criminal activities, running an illegal casino as his main operation. His ambitions grow as he sets his sights on taking over the criminal empire of Mariah Dillard, who is facing legal troubles at the time. To achieve this goal, Hamilton forms alliances with other key players in Harlem’s underworld, including drug trafficker Arturo "El Rey" Gomez III and Jamaican gang leader Nigel Garrison.
Confrontation with Luke Cage[]
Misty Knight, sidelined from fieldwork and assigned to desk duty, directs Luke Cage toward Cockroach Hamilton, seeing him as a potential source of information or a target to neutralize. This leads to their first direct confrontation. Despite Luke Cage’s superhuman durability and bulletproof skin, Hamilton manages to injure him, using a high-powered firearm at close range.
Later, Luke Cage uncovers a darker side of Hamilton. He finds Hamilton in his apartment, caught in the middle of a brutal act of physical violence against his partner, Andrea "Drei" Powell, and her son, CJ. The disturbing sight triggers a furious reaction in Luke. Losing control of his temper, Luke attacks Hamilton, beating him severely with an intensity and brutality that shocks even those around him.
Aftermath and Investigation[]
Immediately after beating Hamilton, Luke contacts Claire Temple, who expresses concern about his growing brutality and warns him of the consequences if Cockroach were to die. They call Misty Knight and paramedics to the scene. Misty arrives at Hamilton’s apartment and chooses to help Luke by allowing him to leave before her departmental rival, Detective Nandi Tyler, and her partner, Mark Bailey, arrive - effectively covering up Luke’s involvement in the assault. Misty’s actions do not go unnoticed. She is later reprimanded by Captain Ridenhour for her interference. However, her status as a "disabled hero" protects her from suspension.
At the hospital, Misty attempts to question Hamilton, hoping he will provide valuable information. Hamilton, however, refuses to cooperate and treats her with open disdain. Their tense exchange is interrupted by the arrival of Nandi Tyler.
Lawsuit[]
As he recovers from the beating, Cockroach Hamilton decides to turn the situation to his advantage. He hires attorney Benjamin Donovan and files a civil lawsuit against Luke Cage for assault. During a deposition, with his lawyer Foggy Nelson present, Luke listens as Hamilton recounts his version of events. Hamilton’s account is deliberately provocative, pushing Luke to the point of rage - causing him to smash a conference table in anger.
Hamilton’s lawyer offers a settlement: they will drop the lawsuit in exchange for $100,000 in damages. He argues that Luke stands little chance of winning in court, citing evidence that points to the excessive force used during the attack.
Settlement and Final Days[]
Facing the likelihood of losing in court, Luke Cage reluctantly agrees to pay Cockroach Hamilton the $100,000 settlement. This decision forces Luke to seek legitimate ways to raise money, leading him to accept an offer to make a paid appearance at a party hosted by Raymond "Piranha" Jones in exchange for a large fee.
Meanwhile, Misty Knight confronts Hamilton, attempting to persuade him to back down. However, their meeting doesn’t go well, ending without success. Shortly afterward, Misty learns that Hamilton’s partner, Drea, has been hospitalized again with injuries inflicted by him. At first, Drea claims it was an accident, but she ultimately admits she’s afraid of Cockroach and feels powerless due to the police’s inability to protect her.
Death[]
Overwhelmed by frustration, Misty Knight enters Hamilton’s apartment, contemplating planting incriminating evidence - a Judas bullet - to finally bring him down. However, after reflecting on the tragic downfall of her former partner, Rafael Scarfe, she abandons the plan. Moments later, she makes a grisly discovery: noticing bloodstains, she follows the trail to the living room, where she finds Cockroach Hamilton’s decapitated body slumped on the couch.
Although the murder itself is not shown on-screen, it is confirmed that John "Bushmaster" McIver is responsible for Hamilton’s death. His murder is announced in a brutal and public manner: Hamilton’s severed head, along with the heads of Mark Higgins and Andre "Ray-Ray" Jackson (an associate of Shades), is displayed on spikes during the grand opening of the Mother’s Touch Family Center, founded by Mariah Dillard.
Personality[]
Cockroach most notable characteristic is his violent nature, particularly his tendency toward domestic abuse. He frequently physically harms his partner, Drea, and her son, CJ. Hamilton is also highly opportunistic, always looking to exploit situations for his personal benefit. This is seen in his early attempts to take over Mariah’s criminal empire and his quick decision to file a lawsuit against Luke Cage after the beating, hoping to profit easily.
In addition to his violence and opportunism, Hamilton is confrontational and disrespectful. He isn’t afraid to face stronger opponents, like Luke Cage, and shows little regard for authority figures such as law enforcement. This is evident during his interaction with Misty Knight in the hospital, where he treats her with open disdain.
Powers and Abilities[]
- Expertise in Firearms: Hamilton demonstrates proficiency with firearms, particularly with high-powered guns. He effectively uses such a weapon at close range to injure Luke Cage, despite the hero's bulletproof skin.
- Criminal Activities: Hamilton is involved in various criminal activities, most notably running an illegal casino. He is also deeply embedded in the Harlem underground, participating in organized crime operations.
