A man from Washington, D.C., has been sentenced for the shooting death of a 13-year-old boy outside his home in 2023.
Jason Lewis, 42, was sentenced to 12½ years in prison for killing Karon Blake, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. In August, Lewis was found guilty of voluntary manslaughter, assault with a dangerous weapon, and firearm charges. .. Continue reading here ▶
Lewis, a father and former employee of the Department of Parks and Recreation, apologized in a letter to the judge. “Everything I’ve committed myself to in reference to giving young people opportunities to grow, learn, and progress has felt in vain,” he wrote, according to WRC. “I wrecked so much that night.”
The shooting happened early in the morning on January 7, 2023, in the 1000 block of Quincy Street, NE. Police arrived at 3:56 a.m. after receiving a report of a shooting. Karon was taken to the hospital but later died.
Lewis told police he was in bed when he heard a noise outside. He grabbed his gun, a Smith and Wesson .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and went to investigate. He said he saw Karon by a white Kia Soul parked on the street.
According to police, Lewis yelled “Hey” at Karon, who then ran toward him. Lewis claimed he fired twice in self-defense, believing he saw a gun in the car and heard a bang. However, police found three bullet casings, indicating he fired twice at Karon and once at the car.
After being shot, Karon yelled, “I’m a kid. I’m a kid,” before collapsing, according to court records.
During his trial, Lewis testified that he thought he was being shot at and feared for his life. “I saw a person charging at me. I feared for my safety. I fired two shots,” he said.
Karon’s mother, Londen Blake, spoke out after her son’s death, saying, “He took my baby, my firstborn.”
The tragedy has left a lasting impact on the family and the community.
