District of Columbia

NORTHEAST DC
Man gets 12.5 years for killing DC 13-year-old he suspected of car break-ins

Jason Lewis said he started shooting on Quincy Street NE in January 2023 because he feared for life. He killed Karon Blake, a middle schooler

By Paul Wagner, News4 Reporter, Andrea Swalec and NBC Washington Staff • Published January 10, 2025 • Updated on January 10, 2025 at 6:32 pm

A man who shot and killed a 13-year-old boy after he suspected him of breaking into cars in their neighborhood in Northeast D.C. in 2023 was sentenced Friday to 12-and-a-half years in prison after he was convicted last year of manslaughter and found not guilty of second-degree murder.

Jason Lewis opened fire on Karon Blake, a middle schooler, on Quincy Street NE early the morning of Jan. 7, 2023.

On video, Blake can be heard yelling, “I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m sorry! I’m just a kid! I’m 12!” The 13-year-old was taken to a hospital, where he died.

Lewis was found not guilty of second-degree murder and guilty of manslaughter, two counts of assault and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence. ... Prosecutors asked for a 25-year sentence.

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