By TopTrendReportTv
January 11th, 2025
A man who fatally shot a 13-year-old boy in Northeast Washington, D.C., after suspecting him of car break-ins was sentenced to 12.5 years in prison on Friday. Jason Lewis, convicted of manslaughter but acquitted of second-degree murder, killed Karon Blake, a middle school student, on January 7, 2023, in the early hours of the morning.
The incident occurred on Quincy Street NE, where Blake’s final moments were partially captured on video. In the footage, the boy can be heard pleading, “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m just a kid! I’m 12!” Blake was rushed to a hospital but did not survive.
Lewis, a longtime D.C. government employee, claimed self-defense. He testified that he had heard noises outside around 4 a.m. and saw someone tampering with parked cars. Armed with a gun, Lewis stepped outside and claimed he saw a flash and heard a bang, which he interpreted as someone firing at him. He said he fired his weapon when he saw Blake running toward him.
Prosecutors argued there was no evidence anyone had shot at Lewis. Police found no evidence to support his claims, and Lewis reportedly never mentioned being shot at during initial questioning. Prosecutors also pointed out that Lewis did not immediately help Blake after the shooting. Instead, video showed him standing against a wall, taking a deep breath, and then calling 911. On the call, he told the operator, “I shot the young man. He was running toward me.”
When asked if the boy was conscious or breathing, Lewis replied, “No.” He also confirmed that Blake had told him he was 12 years old.
In court, prosecutors accused Lewis of obstructing their investigation, particularly by allegedly preventing his wife, LaPrelle Ballinger, from testifying. Prosecutors argued that Ballinger might have contradicted Lewis’ account of events, but U.S. Marshals were unable to locate her. Lewis’ defense denied any interference and said he had cooperated with investigators.
In a letter to the judge, Lewis expressed remorse, saying he deeply regretted taking Blake’s life. He highlighted his decades of work with youth in Washington, D.C., and described the shooting as a tragedy. However, prosecutors emphasized his failure to assist Blake after the shooting and his inconsistent account of the events leading to the fatal confrontation.
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