Former D.C. City Worker Convicted of Manslaughter

A former D.C. city employee has been found guilty of manslaughter in the shooting of a 13-year-old boy, but what transpired that night?

At a Glance

A former Washington, D.C., city employee, Jason Lewis, was found guilty of manslaughter in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake.
Lewis was acquitted of second-degree murder but convicted of manslaughter and other charges.
The incident occurred in January 2023 around 4 a.m. near Blake’s middle school.
Video evidence showed Lewis firing at two young people breaking into cars; Blake ran towards Lewis, who then fired two shots, killing him.
Sentencing is scheduled for October, with the manslaughter charge carrying up to 45 years in prison.

A Tragic Incident in Washington, D.C.

Jason Lewis, a former employee of Washington, D.C.’s Parks and Recreation Department, was convicted of manslaughter for the shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake. The trial, taking place in D.C. Superior Court, concluded with a split verdict, acquitting Lewis of second-degree murder while convicting him of manslaughter. The charges stem from a fatal incident in January 2023 that shook the nation’s capital.

The shooting occurred around 4 a.m. near Blake’s middle school. Video evidence presented during the trial showcased Lewis firing at two youths who were allegedly breaking into cars. Blake ran towards Lewis, and Lewis, in response, fired two shots. One of those shots proved fatal. Blake could be heard on the video saying, “I’m just a kid,” as he was struck.

The Court’s Decision

The jury’s decision to acquit Lewis of second-degree murder but convict him of manslaughter hinged significantly on the presented evidence and testimonies. Lewis turned himself in after the incident, claiming self-defense. He testified that he believed another person was firing at him during the episode, influencing his reaction to the situation. This self-defense claim, however, did not absolve him of responsibility in the eyes of the jury.

Blake’s death has ignited significant public uproar throughout Washington, D.C. The community demanded accountability and justice for the young teen. This contentious case brought forth a myriad of emotions and highlighted the ongoing concerns regarding gun violence and security measures within local neighborhoods.

A former Washington, D.C. city employee was found guilty of manslaughter in the fatal shooting of an unarmed 13-year-old https://t.co/1fOIWvrhRc

— TIME (@TIME) August 17, 2024

What’s Next for Lewis?

Sentencing for Jason Lewis is scheduled for October. The manslaughter charge carries with it the potential of up to 45 years in prison. Citizens of Washington, D.C., and across the nation continue to follow the case closely as it underscores critical issues of justice and community safety.

An attorney for Lewis did not immediately respond to requests for comments from The Associated Press. Given the weight of the conviction and community response, the coming months will be crucial in determining the full impact this event will have on the community and perceptions of justice within the city.