On Wednesday, in the murder trial of 13-year-old Karon Blake, D.C. resident Jason Lewis testified about the events leading up to the fatal shooting. Lewis, 42, described hearing a fleeing car thief yell “Do it” before witnessing the getaway driver fire a pistol early on January 7, 2023. In response, Lewis claimed he fired back with his own legally owned handgun, shooting at the Kia Sportage used by the burglars. His bullet shattered a window of the vehicle.
According to Lewis, the chaotic situation intensified when Karon Blake attempted to flee but ended up running directly toward him. Lewis said he shot Blake twice because he was charging at him, and the teenager later died in the hospital. Lewis asserted that he acted out of fear for his life during the confrontation.
Defendant Testifies in D.C. Murder Trial of 13-Year-Old Karon Blake
Prosecutors argued that Lewis’ self-defense claim was complicated by D.C.’s strict gun laws, which restrict the use of deadly force to protect property. They contended that Lewis fired at the group of thieves, including Blake, while they were in the process of breaking into his car. Surveillance camera footage reviewed during cross-examination raised doubts about the accuracy of Lewis’ account that he was shot at first.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Wojcik pointed out discrepancies in Lewis’ testimony regarding the timing and visibility of the alleged gunfire. The surveillance footage showed the getaway car retreating almost immediately after Lewis stepped outside, which contradicted Lewis’ claim.
Additionally, the home surveillance microphones did not capture any gunshots from the thieves but did record Lewis’ sighs as he went back inside to call 911.
During his testimony, Lewis admitted that he had been in shock and did not immediately inform police about firing at the getaway car. Despite his claims of self-defense, prosecutors played a recording of Lewis expressing remorse to his mother, saying, “I probably just murdered a child,” which further complicated his defense.
