BALTIMORE, MD – Matthew Hightower, 41, of Baltimore, is facing federal charges in connection to the brazen 2016 murder of Latrina Ashburne, a killing authorities now allege was a calculated hit orchestrated to silence a witness. A federal grand jury returned the indictment yesterday, detailing a conspiracy that reached across years and involved not only Ashburne’s death, but also attempts to obstruct justice.
According to the indictment, Hightower conspired to and did kill Ashburne on May 27, 2016, with the explicit intent of retaliating against her for providing information to law enforcement regarding a federal offense. The indictment further alleges that the motive extended to preventing Ashburne from testifying in an official proceeding – a clear attempt to dismantle a potential case through violence. The victim was gunned down in the early morning hours as she approached her car in Baltimore’s Cylburn neighborhood, police reports indicate. An unknown assailant reportedly opened fire on Ashburne as she attempted to flee, striking her in the upper body.
The case, a multi-agency effort, involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Baltimore Field Division, along with the FBI, Baltimore Police Department, Baltimore County Police Department, and the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. First Assistant United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Phil Selden announced the indictment, highlighting the collaborative nature of the investigation. The investigation reportedly spanned years, piecing together evidence to link Hightower to the deadly plot.
If convicted on the charges – two counts of conspiracy to murder a witness, one count each of witness retaliation murder and witness tampering murder, and one count of a murder for hire conspiracy – Hightower faces a mandatory life sentence for each count. The grim reality is that a federal judge will determine the final sentence, but the potential for life behind bars is certain. The U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors will be considered, but the severity of the alleged crimes points to a lengthy imprisonment.
“An indictment is not a finding of guilt,” Selden cautioned, reiterating the fundamental principle of the American justice system. “An individual charged by indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty at some later criminal proceedings.” Hightower is currently detained as the legal process unfolds, with no court appearance yet scheduled. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kim Y. Oldham and Aaron S. J. Zelinsky.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the lengths to which criminals will go to evade justice and the dedication of federal and local agencies to ensure accountability. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland has made community outreach a priority, with resources available at www.justice.gov/usao-md and https://www.justice.gov/usao-md/community-outreach for those seeking information or assistance.
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