DC man convicted of manslaughter

Jason Lewis, 42, has been convicted of manslaughter for the shooting death of 13-year-old Karon Blake in Washington, D.C., on January 7, 2023. The jury found Lewis guilty of several charges, including voluntary manslaughter while armed and possession of a firearm during a crime of violence, while acquitting him of second-degree murder. The incident occurred when Lewis believed he was confronting individuals involved in car break-ins; however, video evidence showed Blake, a middle school student, pleading for his life before being shot. Despite Lewis's claims of self-defense, the prosecution demonstrated that he was not under immediate threat, as Blake appeared to be fleeing at the time of the shooting. Sentencing is set for October 25, 2024, with Lewis facing up to 45 years in prison. The case has raised significant concerns regarding firearm violence and the justification of lethal force in property crime situations.