Washington, D.C. – A former D.C. government employee has been sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison for the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake. This tragic incident occurred on January 7, 2023, when Jason Lewis, then 41 years old, confronted Blake, suspecting his involvement in a car break-in.
Despite his claims of self-defense, Lewis was found guilty of several charges, including voluntary manslaughter, following a jury trial. At the time of the shooting, Lewis was employed by the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, but now faces the consequences of his actions as determined by the D.C. Superior Court.
Lewis received a 90-month sentence for voluntary manslaughter, along with five additional 60-month sentences for charges such as assault with a dangerous weapon and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. The court also mandated a five-year minimum term for each firearm-related charge, resulting in a total sentence of 150 months, or 12.5 years, with five years of supervised release following his imprisonment.
Court documents revealed that Lewis, who possessed a concealed carry permit, confronted Blake after hearing a noise early in the morning of January 7, 2023. Despite Lewis’ belief that Blake was involved in a car break-in and his subsequent firing of two shots, which tragically led to Blake’s death, security footage and further investigation later refuted these claims.
This case garnered public outrage, prompting community leaders and residents to question the circumstances surrounding Blake’s death and to express broader concerns about gun violence in the area. Lewis was subsequently arrested on January 31, 2023, and placed on administrative leave from his position following the shooting.
In addition to his prison sentence, the court recommended special measures be taken by the Bureau of Prisons to ensure Lewis’ safety while incarcerated. Scheduled for supervised release in January 2035, Lewis will serve his sentence in federal custody. Justice is being served for the untimely death of Karon Blake, as accountability is upheld through the legal system.