D.C. Officers Sentenced for Fatal Police Chase

Officer Terence Sutton and former Lieutenant Andrew Zabavsky of the D.C. police were sentenced for their roles in the fatal chase of Karon Hylton-Brown in 2020, with Sutton receiving 5.5 years for second-degree murder and Zabavsky four years for conspiracy and obstruction of justice. The chase, which began when Hylton-Brown was riding a moped without a helmet, ended in a collision that led to his death days later. U.S. District Judge Paul Friedman emphasized the erosion of public trust caused by such crimes and allowed both officers to remain free during their appeals. Hylton-Brown's death sparked significant protests, reflecting wider tensions regarding police conduct in the wake of George Floyd's killing. The officers were convicted in December 2022, with prosecutors seeking much longer sentences than those imposed. This case marks a significant moment in D.C. policing, as Sutton is the first officer convicted of murder in the line of duty.