Herbst: Sutherland Made a Tremendous Mark

First Selectman Tim Herbst offered condolences to the family of Kevin Sutherland, who was killed in an apparent robbery attempt in Washington, D.C.

“Kevin was a bright and accomplished young man who had so much to offer. At 24, Kevin made a tremendous mark,” Herbst said.

Sutherland, a Trumbull native, graduated from American University and at one time interned for U.S. Rep. Jim Himes. He got a job in the private sector at New Blue Interactive as a digital political strategist.

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Herbst added that he spoke with Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, who also offered condolences. Herbst expressed concern that the suspect Jasper Spires was arrested two days earlier on a felony assault charge and was released.

“This individual showed a clear propensity for violence and why this felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor is highly questionable,” Herbst said. “By reducing this charge to a misdemeanor, the assailant was allowed to walk and commit another act of senseless violence that took an innocent young man’s life far too soon.”

Washington D.C. Police Chief Cathy Lanier has pledged an internal investigation into the details surrounding the case, Herbst said.

First image of Sutherland via Facebook, Second image of Spires via Metro D.C. Police