Trump has issued full and unconditional pardons to DC police lieutenant Andrew Zabavsky and officer Terence Sutton, both convicted for their roles in the death of 20-year-old Karon Hylton-Brown. The case, which stemmed from a fatal high-speed chase in October 2020, drew widespread protests and outrage, particularly in the wake of the murder of George Floyd earlier that year.
The incident began when Zabavsky and Sutton, officers with the Metropolitan Police Department, pursued Hylton-Brown for riding a moped without a helmet. The chase, which investigators deemed reckless, ended tragically when Hylton-Brown was struck and killed by an uninvolved motorist.
Instead of rendering aid or following proper procedures, investigators say the officers attempted to cover up their involvement. Both turned off their body cameras, tampered with the scene, and misled their commanding officers about the nature of the incident, according to court testimony.
Sutton was convicted of second-degree murder, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice. He was sentenced to 66 months in prison. Zabavsky, found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice, faced 48 months behind bars.
Despite their convictions, Zabavsky and Sutton had been released on bail while appealing their cases. Their legal teams, alongside the DC Police Union, actively sought clemency from Trump, arguing that the prosecution was unjust.
Trump granted the pardons this week, effectively nullifying the officers’ convictions.
Zabavsky’s attorney, Christopher Zampogna, expressed gratitude for Trump’s decision, stating, “We’re very grateful to Trump for doing it.” Zabavsky and his legal team are now finalizing paperwork with the Department of Justice.
Sutton also expressed relief, telling CNN, “I’m just overwhelmed. I want to go back to the police department and finish my career,” though he admitted uncertainty about whether that will be possible.
Sutton’s attorney, Kellen Dwyer, stated, “While we were confident the D.C. Circuit would have reversed this conviction, we are thrilled that Trump ended this prosecution once and for all.”
