Donald Trump Pardons Two D.C. Police Officers Convicted in 2020 Killing of Karon Hylton-Brown

Pardon Sparks Controversy Over Police Accountability and Justice
Republican U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday pardoned two Washington police officers, Terence Sutton Jr. and Andrew Zabavsky, convicted for their involvement in the 2020 death of Karon Hylton-Brown, a 20-year-old Black man. The White House announced the decision amid ongoing debates over police reform and accountability.

Details of the Case: Unauthorized Chase Ends in Tragedy
In October 2020, Sutton, a Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officer, engaged in an unauthorized high-speed chase after spotting Hylton-Brown riding a moped without a helmet on a Northwest D.C. sidewalk. The pursuit ended when Hylton-Brown collided with an oncoming vehicle, suffering fatal head injuries. The Justice Department later revealed that Sutton and his supervisor, Zabavsky, conspired to cover up their roles in the incident.

Sutton was convicted in December 2022 of second-degree murder, conspiracy to obstruct, and obstruction of justice. Zabavsky was found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct and obstruction of justice. In 2024, Sutton was sentenced to 66 months in prison, while Zabavsky received 48 months. Both officers remained free pending appeal.

Federal Prosecutors Condemn Actions
According to U.S. Attorney Matthew Graves, the convictions underscored the officers’ deliberate actions to conceal their misconduct. “The jury affirmed that what happened was a serious crime. Public safety requires public trust, and actions like this erode that trust,” Graves stated. The FBI echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of accountability in law enforcement.

Trumpā€™s Pardons Ignite Debate
Trumpā€™s decision to pardon the officers has drawn mixed reactions. The D.C. Police Union had advocated for the officersā€™ release, praising their service. Suttonā€™s attorney, Kellen Dwyer, expressed gratitude, stating the legal team was confident the conviction would have been overturned. Similarly, Zabavskyā€™s attorney, Christopher Zampogna, thanked Trump for the pardon.

However, Hylton-Brownā€™s mother, Karen Hylton, reacted with shock and dismay. Speaking to CNN, she revealed her devastation upon learning about the potential pardons. The case reignites memories of the national protests against police brutality in 2020, following George Floydā€™s death.

A Broader Pattern of Pardons
Trumpā€™s decision to pardon the officers came shortly after he issued pardons to approximately 1,500 supporters convicted for their roles in the January 6 Capitol attack. The Fraternal Order of Police, a major law enforcement union, expressed disappointment over the pardons, particularly those granted to individuals who assaulted police officers during the Capitol riots.

A Timeline of Key Events in Hylton-Brown’s Case

  • October 23, 2020: Sutton pursued Hylton-Brown through neighborhood streets at high speeds, disregarding safety protocols. Hylton-Brown collided with a car after being chased into an alley.
  • October 25, 2020: Hylton-Brown succumbed to severe head injuries.
  • December 2022: A federal jury convicted Sutton and Zabavsky after a nine-week trial.
  • September 2024: Both officers were sentenced to prison terms but remained free during their appeals process.
  • January 2025: Trump issued pardons for the two officers.

Unanswered Questions on Justice and Reform
Critics argue that the pardons undermine accountability efforts in policing, particularly in cases involving excessive force or misconduct. The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the public and law enforcement, as well as the need for systemic reforms.

Whatā€™s Next for Policing and Accountability?
The case raises significant questions about the role of pardons in addressingā€”or evadingā€”justice. Advocacy groups continue to call for increased transparency, proper training, and stricter oversight to rebuild trust between communities and law enforcement.

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