In a recent trial in D.C. Superior Court, Jason Lewis, a longtime employee of the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, was convicted of manslaughter in the shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake. The jury, however, acquitted him of the more serious charge of second-degree murder. The verdict was reached after several hours of deliberation over two days.

During the weeklong trial, Lewis took the stand and claimed that he shot Blake in self-defense. The incident took place in the early morning hours of January 7, 2023, when Lewis encountered Blake and two other teens outside his home on Quincy Street in Northeast D.C. Prosecutors from the U.S. Attorney's Office argued that Lewis was the aggressor, firing the first shot after witnessing the teens breaking into cars.

The jury not only convicted Lewis of manslaughter but also found him guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. These charges carry a maximum sentence of 45 years in prison. Lewis is scheduled to be sentenced on October 25.

Following the verdict, prosecutors requested that the judge send Lewis to jail as he awaits sentencing. However, Lewis' defense attorney argued that he should remain on GPS monitoring, pointing to his lack of a violent criminal history. In a ruling, D.C. Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein allowed Lewis to continue on GPS monitoring but with the condition that he cannot leave the immediate D.C. area.

During closing arguments, Assistant U.S. Attorney Shauna Payyappilly told the jurors that Lewis, armed with a gun, went outside to confront Blake and the other teens, who were breaking into cars. Payyappilly emphasized that shooting someone for property crimes is unacceptable. Lewis, on the other hand, testified that he went outside upon hearing a noise and believed someone was trying to enter his home. He claimed to have seen a person in a car point a gun at him and fire a shot. Lewis then fired at the car and subsequently shot Blake, who was running towards him.

Evidence presented included doorbell surveillance footage where Blake can be heard pleading and stating his young age as shots were fired. Autopsy photos presented by prosecutors indicated that Blake was shot while running away from Lewis, contradicting his self-defense claim. Prosecutors also pointed out that the doorbell footage did not capture any other gunshots besides those fired by Lewis and that Lewis did not mention seeing a gun or being shot at in his initial statements to the police.

Defense attorney Ed Ungvarsky portrayed Lewis as a peaceful and compassionate individual who aimed to protect his family. Ungvarsky highlighted that Lewis legally owned a registered handgun and possessed a concealed carry permit. He emphasized that Lewis's intention was to keep his family safe, asserting that it was not the jurors' role to question his decision.

The conviction of manslaughter, along with additional charges, marks a significant development in this case. The upcoming sentencing will determine the consequences Lewis will face for his actions.