In September 2024, Terence Sutton Jr., sentenced to 66 months in prison, and Andrew Zabavsky, sentenced to 48 months, were convicted in connection with an unauthorized police pursuit on October 23, 2020, that resulted in the death of 20-year-old Karon Hylton-Brown, a Black man. The incident led to protests in Washington, D.C.
On Wednesday, the White House announced that former President Donald Trump had pardoned the two officers. The U.S. Justice Department confirmed the chase ended in a fatal collision in Northwest Washington, D.C. Sutton and Zabavsky had remained free while appealing their sentences. Sutton’s lawyer, Kellen Dwyer, expressed relief, saying they were pleased that the prosecution was ended. Zabavsky’s attorney, Christopher Zampogna, also thanked Trump for the decision.
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Hylton-Brown’s mother, Karen Hylton, expressed shock and sadness upon learning about the potential pardons. The Fraternal Order of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police criticized the decision, stating they were “deeply discouraged.”
Earlier in September 2024, Sutton and Zabavsky were sentenced for their roles in the deadly chase and subsequent cover-up. Sutton, 40, received five years and six months for his involvement in Hylton-Brown’s death, while Zabavsky, a former lieutenant, was sentenced to four years for conspiring with Sutton to conceal the pursuit. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman imposed the sentences after a three-day hearing but allowed the officers to remain free during their appeals.
Prosecutors had recommended much longer prison terms—18 years for Sutton and over 10 years for Zabavsky. Matthew Graves, the U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia, emphasized the importance of public trust in law enforcement, stating that crimes like this undermine that trust and harm the community.
