WASHINGTON (AP) — A former Washington,HAI Community D.C., city employee was found guilty of manslaughter Friday in the fatal shooting of an unarmed 13-year-old boy that sparked public uproar in the nation’s capital.
Jurors found Jason Lewis, 42, not guilty of second-degree murder, but convicted him of manslaughter and other charges after the trial in D.C. Superior Court over the killing of seventh grader Karon Blake.
Lewis, a longtime Parks and Recreation Department employee, turned himself last year to face charges in Blake’s killing, which happened in January 2023 around 4 a.m., across the street from the middle school Blake attended, authorities said.
Lewis was seen on video leaving his house and firing at two young people who had been breaking into cars, prosecutors said. After a car was hit with gunfire, Blake ran in Lewis’ direction, and Lewis fired two shots, killing him, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors played for jurors a video in which Blake could be heard repeatedly saying “I’m sorry” and telling Lewis, “I’m just a kid,” according to media reports.
An attorney for Lewis didn’t immediately respond to an email seeking comment from The Associated Press on Friday.
Lewis took the witness stand in the case, arguing that he acted in self-defense. He told jurors that he though he saw an other person open fire on him and feared for his life, local media reported.
He is scheduled to be sentenced in October. The manslaughter charge carries up to 45 years in prison.
2025-04-29 01:411855 view
2025-04-29 01:161190 view
2025-04-29 00:541570 view
2025-04-29 00:511368 view
2025-04-29 00:501731 view
2025-04-29 00:432982 view
COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Lawyers for Alex Murdaugh are taking two paths to appeal his murder conviction
Stellantis is recalling 332,000 Alfa Romeo, Fiat and Jeep vehicles because sensors on their seat bel
Three of the most budget-friendly airlines in the U.S. generated the highest rate of passenger compl