WASHINGTON D.C., DC — A mother says her gut reaction to the verdict of the D.C. police officer found guilty in her son's death landed her a night in jail.
Karen Hylton-Brown was arrested Wednesday afternoon after the U.S. Marshals says she caused a "disturbance" when the jury announced that Officer Terence Sutton, 38, was guilty of second-degree murder in the death of 20-year-old Karon Hylton-Brown.
"I am locked up, my child is resting, and Sutton is sitting up at home," said Karen following her release from an Alexandria, Virginia jail. The U.S. Marshals Service says the criminal charges against Karen have been dismissed but the investigation is still ongoing.
Karen was removed from the courtroom during the trial for sobbing during the testimony. She told WUSA9 that the outburst that landed her in jail was her reaction to a decision that she's been waiting on for over two years.
"I knew he was guilty, you understand that, but I did not know he was still out being free. My thing is that it brings me back to justice being unfair," said Karen, who was upset that Sutton was released by order of the judge.
"Now that the jury has returned its verdict, the judge will rule on our motion to throw out the verdict and enter a judgment of complete acquittal," said Sutton's lawyer Michael Hannon in a statement.
Karon Hylton-Brown died after crashing a moped in October 2020 during a police pursuit that prosecutors say violated policy. Sutton was driving an unmarked car, attempting to stop Karon Hylton-Brown who collided with an SUV.
"We all knew Sutton was guilty, the law is you do not chase, and again I say to Mayor Bowser, you are aware of this. These are the people that you are hiring," says Karon's mother.
Sutton and his co-defendant Lt. Andrew Zabavsky were also convicted of conspiracy and obstructing justice for attempting to cover up the deadly police chase.
"Now that the criminal proceedings have concluded, MPD will complete our internal investigation into this incident," said D.C.'s Metropolitan Police Department in a statement.
Both officers have been on indefinite suspension without pay during these proceedings, according to D.C. Police who in a statement called this case a "difficult and emotional matter for our city."
Sutton and Zabavsky were released pending their sentencing, which could take months.
The charge of second-degree murder carries a maximum of 40 years in prison; the conspiracy charge is up to five years, and obstruction of justice charge carries a maximum of 20 years.