The previous metropolis authorities worker had confronted as much as 45 years in jail for manslaughter whereas his protection workforce had argued for 5 years.
WASHINGTON — A person who shot and killed an unarmed 13-year-old in Northeast D.C. was sentenced on Friday to 12.5 years in jail.
Jason Lewis, 42, had already been convicted of manslaughter in August for capturing and killing 13-year-old Karon Blake. The previous metropolis authorities worker had confronted as much as 45 years in jail whereas his protection workforce had argued for 5 years.
On high the cost for manslaughter whereas armed, dedicated in opposition to a minor, Lewis was additionally discovered responsible on three counts of possession of a firearm throughout a criminal offense of violence and two counts of assault with a harmful weapon.
The capturing occurred on Jan. 7, 2023, when Lewis confronted a gaggle of youngsters. Lewis mentioned he believed had been breaking into automobiles close to his residence on Quincy Avenue. In line with Lewis, he acted in self-defense, firing his gun after Karon ran towards him. Nevertheless, Karon was unarmed, and the prosecution argued that Lewis used pointless and extreme power.
U.S. Lawyer Matthew Graves mentioned the court docket had entry to video from the capturing.
“Lewis is seen on video leaving his home home, aiming and firing at two younger individuals who had been fleeing their involvement in breaking into automobiles,” U.S. Lawyer Graves mentioned Friday. “After Lewis fired at these two individuals, hitting the automobile that one was driving. Karon Blake then ran in Lewis’ route.”
Graves’ workplace mentioned Lewis then shot Karon twice on the left aspect of his physique.
The jury deliberated for 2 days earlier than convicting Lewis in August of voluntary manslaughter whereas armed, two counts of assault with a harmful weapon and three counts of possession of a firearm throughout a criminal offense of violence. He was acquitted of the extra extreme cost of second-degree homicide.
Through the trial, proof revealed that a number of automobiles had been broken within the space that night time, and Lewis admitted to leaving the protection of his residence to confront the kids. Regardless of his cooperation with police, together with offering safety footage, key video knowledge from the second of the capturing was lacking.
Lewis had been arrested a couple of weeks after the capturing however was launched in March 2023.
The case has drawn widespread consideration, with group members grappling with the tragic lack of Karon and the authorized questions surrounding Lewis’ actions. In court docket, the prosecution reminded jurors that whereas Karon’s actions that night time had been improper, “he didn’t need to die.”
The Blake household has expressed hope that Friday’s sentencing will mirror the profound loss they really feel day by day. An announcement from the household’s lawyer reads, “They miss Karon dearly and hope {that a} sentence will mirror the loss that they expertise day by day.”
