On January 23, 2025, President Trump issued full pardons to two Washington, D.C. police officers convicted in connection with the fatal chase that resulted in the death of Karon Hylton-Brown in 2020. Officer Terence Sutton and Lt. Andrew Zabavsky received clemency after being sentenced for their roles in the incident that sparked significant protests and public outcry.
- Trump pardons two D.C. police officers
- Officers convicted in Karon Hylton-Brown case
- Sutton received over five years for murder
- Zabavsky sentenced for conspiracy to cover up
- Pardons follow Capitol riot clemency actions
- Backlash against police department escalates
The case involving Officers Terence Sutton and Andrew Zabavsky drew national attention due to its implications on police conduct and accountability. The pursuit that led to Hylton-Brown’s death ignited protests against police brutality in Washington, D.C., highlighting ongoing tensions between law enforcement and community members.
Key details of the case include:
- Karon Hylton-Brown was a 20-year-old Black man who died during a police chase.
- Officer Sutton was sentenced to over five years for second-degree murder.
- Lt. Zabavsky received a four-year sentence for conspiracy related to covering up the chase.
The pardons come as part of Trump’s broader use of clemency powers during his presidency, including recent actions concerning individuals involved in the January 6 Capitol riots. Both officers had been free pending appeals prior to receiving clemency from Trump.
This development marks a significant moment in U.S. legal history as it intertwines with ongoing debates about policing practices and justice reform across the country.
