Former U.

The tragic incident occurred on October 23, 2020, when Sutton, driving a police vehicle, pursued Hylton-Brown in Northwest Washington, D.C., resulting in a fatal collision. Sutton, in his early 40s, was sentenced to 66 months in prison, while Zabavsky, in his mid-50s, received a 48-month sentence in September 2024. Both officers were placed on indefinite suspension without pay by the Metropolitan Police Department while awaiting an administrative review.

A jury had found Sutton guilty of second-degree murder, conspiracy to obstruct justice, and obstruction of justice. Zabavsky was convicted on charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice. The prosecutors argued that Sutton acted with "conscious disregard" for the risk of death or serious injury to Hylton-Brown during the pursuit.

The DC Police Union had rallied in support of the officers, calling their convictions unjust. Sutton’s lawyer, Kellen Dwyer, expressed gratitude for the pardon, saying, “We were confident the D.C. Circuit would overturn this conviction, but we’re thrilled President Trump stepped in to end this prosecution.” Zabavsky’s attorney, Christopher Zampogna, also thanked Trump for granting the pardon.

This high-profile case reignited debates over police accountability and the limits of law enforcement authority. Trump’s decision to pardon the officers has drawn both praise and criticism, further underscoring the complexities of justice and public opinion in such cases.