Baltimore, Maryland – A Baltimore man received a federal-prison term, today, for plotting the murder of woman, in a case of mistaken identity where the intended target was a federal witness. The May 2016 murder resulted in the death of Latrina Ashburne.
U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher sentenced Matthew Hightower, 44, to 40 years in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for using a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime. The sentence was ordered to run concurrently, beginning today, to the prison term Hightower is currently serving for the murder of David Wutoh.
Kelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland, announced the sentence with Special Agent in Charge Maureen R. Dixon, Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG); Special Agent in Charge Jimmy Paul, FBI Baltimore Field Office; Special Agent in Charge Charles Doerrer, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF); Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department (BPD); and Chief Robert McCullough, Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).
According to court documents, in May 2016, Hightower solicited others and conspired to kill Ashburne’s neighbor — a female federal witness — in retaliation for providing information to a law enforcement officer and to prevent her from testifying against him at an official proceeding. Hightower learned that the federal witness provided law enforcement with information about his involvement in a healthcare fraud scheme and the murder of a separate victim, David Wutoh. At the time, Hightower faced federal indictment for both matters. While incarcerated pre-trial, Hightower used jail calls and letters to communicate with others to conspire to kill the federal witness. Ashburne, who lived next-door to the federal witness, and was similar in age and appearance, was shot and killed as she entered her car outside of her home. Davon Carter, 46, of Baltimore, the shooter, and Clifton Mosley, 49, of Baltimore, the accomplice, are currently serving federal life sentences for their roles in the murder plot. On September 22, 2016, after a seven-day trial, a federal jury convicted Hightower, and then he received a 380-month prison term, followed by five years of supervised release, for collection of a debt by extortionate means, and use of interstate facilities for extortion resulting in death in connection with the murder of Wutoh. U.S. Attorney Hayes commended the HHS-OIG, FBI, ATF, BPD, and BCPD for their work in the investigation. Ms. Hayes also thanked Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Y. Hagan and Paul E. Budlow who are prosecuting this case.
For more information about the Maryland U.S. Attorney’s Office, its priorities, and resources available to help the community, please visit justice.gov/usao-md. # # #Agency QuotesKelly O. Hayes, U.S. Attorney for the District of Maryland“Witness intimidation strikes at the heart of our justice system. This defendant not only sought to silence a federal witness — for the second time — but also caused the death of an innocent woman in the process,” Hayes said. “Today’s sentence demonstrates our unwavering commitment to pursuing anyone who threatens or attempts to harm witnesses. We will continue to work with our federal and local partners to ensure that witness intimidation is met with firm and decisive accountability.”
Maureen R. Dixon, Special Agent in Charge, HHS-OIG“Today’s sentencing reinforces our commitment to standing with victims and their families, providing closure and justice for Ms. Ashburne’s family and supporting those who are vulnerable,” Dixon said. “HHS‑OIG will continue working tirelessly with our partners to hold accountable those who commit violent crimes, including murder, threaten federal witnesses, or defraud health care programs that serve individuals who rely on them.”
Jimmy Paul, Special Agent in Charge, FBI Baltimore“Latrina Ashburne was an innocent woman who should still be with her family and loved ones. Instead, they live with the daily grief and trauma of losing her,” Paul said. “The FBI and our partners will continue to stand firm against anyone who endangers members of our community.”
Charles Doerrer, Special Agent in Charge, ATF Baltimore“This significant sentence shows that violence, especially when perpetrated to interfere in federal proceedings, will not be tolerated,” Doerrer said. “We pledge to continue to work with our state, local, and federal partners to ensure witnesses in Baltimore feel safe to come forward.”
Police Commissioner Richard Worley, Baltimore Police Department“Latrina Ashburne was an innocent woman who tragically lost her life because she was mistaken for someone else,” Worley said. “This case is a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence and the importance of law enforcement working together to hold those responsible accountable. The Baltimore Police Department is proud to stand with our federal and local partners in pursuing justice for Ms. Ashburne and her family and ensuring that those who use violence to undermine our justice system are held accountable.”