A federal grand jury has charged Antwan L. Hutchinson, 25, and Michael J. Favors, 24, both of Columbus, with the murders of two potential witnesses and the beating of a third witness in an indictment returned in Columbus.
Benjamin C. Glassman, United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio, Trevor Velinor, Special Agent in Charge, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and Columbus Police Chief Kim Jacobs announced the indictment returned today.
Hutchinson and Favors allegedly possessed and distributed cocaine, heroin, oxycodone and marijuana. It is alleged that, as part of the drug conspiracy, they used “trap houses” that were in others’ names as locations to store and sell the drugs.
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This included using threat of force and using the homes of drug-addicted individuals.
Allegedly, it was part of the conspiracy to intimidate assault, threaten and torture individuals with serious physical harm who were perceived as owing money or drugs to the members of the conspiracy.
Further, the indictment alleges that Hutchinson and Favors tortured and killed individuals who were seen as potential witnesses against the members of their conspiracy.
It is alleged that Hutchinson and Favors intentionally killed Sidney Campbell and Marie Stamp because they were perceived as potential witnesses against the defendants.
They are also allegedly responsible with the beating of Cody Campbell, who subsequently died.
In the 12-count indictment, both defendants are charged with:
- Conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances
- Two counts of conspiracy to murder a witness
- Two counts of murder of a witness
- Two counts of murder through use of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime
- Conspiracy to tamper with a witness, and
- Use of a firearm during a crime of violence.
Hutchinson is also charged with an additional count each of conspiracy to tamper with a witness, use of a firearm during a crime of violence and use of a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime.
The indictment includes death-eligible specifications under the Federal Death Penalty Act.
Hutchinson and Favors were arrested on March 27 and remain in custody.
U.S. Attorney Glassman commended the investigation of this case by ATF and the Columbus Police, as well as Assistant United States Attorneys David M. DeVillers and Jessica W. Knight who are prosecuting the case.
An indictment merely contains allegations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
