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A Baltimore man has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison for his involvement in a murder-for-hire plot that resulted in the death of an innocent woman due to mistaken identity. The scheme, orchestrated by Matthew Hightower, aimed to kill a federal witness who had provided information linking Hightower to a healthcare fraud scheme and a separate murder. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher.
The federal prison term will be followed by five years of supervised release. This sentence is to be served concurrently with the prison term Hightower is already serving for the murder of David Wutoh. The case involved a complex investigation and prosecution involving multiple federal and local law enforcement agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG), the FBI Baltimore Field Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Baltimore Police Department (BPD), and the Baltimore County Police Department (BCPD).
According to court documents, in May 2016, Hightower conspired to arrange for the murder of his neighbor, a federal witness, as retaliation for her cooperation with law enforcement. The witness had reportedly provided information about Hightower’s alleged involvement in healthcare fraud and the murder of David Wutoh. Hightower, facing federal indictment for these offenses at the time, used jail calls and letters to communicate with others to carry out the murder plot. Tragically, Latrina Ashburne, who lived next door to the intended target and bore a resemblance in age and appearance, was shot and killed as she was entering her car outside her home. Davon Carter, identified as the shooter, and Clifton Mosley, an accomplice, are currently serving federal life sentences for their roles in this murder plot. Hightower was previously convicted by a federal jury in September 2016, following a seven-day trial, and received a 380-month prison term for his role in extortion that resulted in death, connected to the murder of David Wutoh.
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This sentencing underscores the severe consequences faced by individuals who attempt to obstruct justice or intimidate witnesses, particularly in cases involving federal proceedings. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland emphasized its commitment to prosecuting those who threaten or harm witnesses, highlighting the importance of ensuring that individuals feel safe to come forward with information. The involvement of multiple law enforcement agencies in the investigation and prosecution of this case demonstrates a collaborative effort to uphold the integrity of the justice system and provide closure for victims and their families.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland encourages community members seeking assistance or information regarding its programs and priorities to visit justice.gov/usao-md.
Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Maryland
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