Trump Grants Full Pardons to DC Officers Sutton and Zabavsky in 2020 Scooter Chase Death

Jan 22, 2025, 10:56 PM

President Donald Trump has granted full and unconditional pardons to two former D.C. Metropolitan Police Department officers, Terence Sutton and Andrew Zabavsky, who were convicted in connection with the 2020 death of Karon Hylton-Brown. The officers were involved in a scooter chase that resulted in Hylton-Brown's death after he was struck by another vehicle. Sutton was convicted of second-degree murder and both officers were found guilty of conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of justice. Sutton received a sentence of five and a half years, while Zabavsky was sentenced to four years. The D.C. Police Union had been working with the White House to secure these pardons, claiming the officers were wrongfully convicted. Trump's decision to pardon the officers came after he mentioned the case during a flurry of executive orders and pardons, stating his intention to 'give them a break.' The pardons have sparked reactions, including dismay from Hylton-Brown's mother.