Washington, D.C. – A former employee of Washington, D.C.’s Parks and Recreation Department, Jason Lewis, 42, was convicted of manslaughter on Friday for the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake, an incident that sparked significant public outrage. The jury, deliberating in D.C. Superior Court, found Lewis guilty of manslaughter and several other charges, though he was acquitted of second-degree murder.
The tragic event took place in January 2023, when Lewis confronted two youths attempting to break into cars near his home on Quincy Street NE. Armed with a legally registered handgun, Lewis shot at the suspects, fatally wounding Karon Blake, a seventh grader at Brookland Middle School. According to prosecutors, video footage showed Blake running towards Lewis after a car was struck by gunfire. Despite Blake’s pleas, where he repeatedly said, "I’m sorry" and "I’m just a kid," Lewis fired two shots into the boy’s left side.
Lewis claimed he acted in self-defense, testifying that he believed he was under fire from someone else. However, the jury rejected this defense, leading to his conviction on multiple charges, including voluntary manslaughter while armed, possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, and assault with a dangerous weapon.
Blake, a native of Northeast D.C., was remembered by his school community as a quiet, inquisitive student who loved fashion and football. His untimely death has left a profound void at Brookland Middle School, where he was a beloved member of the student body.
Jason Lewis now faces up to 45 years in prison and is scheduled for sentencing in October.