Judge Sentenced Baltimore Man for 2016 Murder
Matthew Hightower received 40 years for orchestrating a fatal case of mistaken identity in 2016.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Criminal Justice
U.S. District Judge Stephanie Gallagher sentenced 44-year-old Matthew Hightower to 40 years in prison for his role in a 2016 murder plot. Hightower conspired to kill a federal witness, leading to the mistaken-identity death of Latrina Ashburne.
Why it matters
The sentence addresses a calculated attempt to undermine the federal justice system by targeting a witness. Authorities emphasized that this prosecution remains critical for protecting the integrity of legal proceedings.
Matthew Hightower received a 40-year prison sentence to be followed by five years of supervised release. This term runs concurrently with his existing sentence for the murder of David Wutoh and extortion.
The players
Matthew Hightower
He is a 44-year-old convict who orchestrated a murder-for-hire plot while already incarcerated.
Stephanie Gallagher
She serves as a U.S. District Judge for the District of Maryland.
Latrina Ashburne
She was a woman killed in a 2016 case of mistaken identity intended for a federal witness.
Davon Carter
The 46-year-old is serving a federal life sentence for his involvement in the murder plot.
Clifton Mosley
The 49-year-old is serving a federal life sentence for his role in the 2016 crime.
The details
While incarcerated, Hightower utilized letters and jail phone calls to organize the murder of a federal witness. His co-conspirators, Davon Carter and Clifton Mosley, are currently serving federal life sentences for their roles in the killing of Latrina Ashburne, who was shot outside her home.
Timeline
Latrina Ashburne was murdered in May 2016.
A federal jury convicted Matthew Hightower on September 22, 2016.
The 40-year sentence was handed down on October 8, 2026.
Legal Context
This case illustrates the long-term federal commitment to prosecuting witness tampering and retaliation within organized criminal networks. The outcome follows a pattern set by the 2016 federal trial of Matthew Hightower, ensuring all participants in the conspiracy face federal consequences.
The resolution of this case brings closure to a violent 2016 incident that impacted the Baltimore community. It reaffirms federal efforts to maintain witness safety in local criminal proceedings.
The takeaway
This case highlights how federal authorities pursue long-term accountability for crimes committed by incarcerated individuals. The sentence serves as a reminder that conspiring to interfere with witnesses carries severe, multi-decade penalties.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the region, visit Criminal Justice.
More information
Review case details through the Maryland U.S. Attorney's Office portal.
