Karon Blake shooting: murder trial begins for DC employee
WASHINGTON - The trial of Jason Lewis, a D.C. government employee accused of shooting and killing 13-year-old Karon Blake began Tuesday with jury selection.
D.C. Superior Court records show that a jury panel of 14 was sworn in, and opening statements were heard from both sides.
DC employee charged with killing Karon Blake released from jail
The D.C. government employee accused of shooting and killing 13-year-old Karon Blake in Northeast in January has been released from jail.
Lewis, 41, is charged with second-degree murder while armed in connection with the death of Blake, who he's accused of shooting multiple times on January 7.
Investigators allege that Lewis suspected Blake of breaking into cars along the 1000 block of Quincy Street Northeast when he confronted the teen around 4 a.m.
READ MORE: Community demands answers in death of 13-year-old Karon Blake
Blake was transported to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Court documents reveal that Lewis told police he was in bed when he heard a noise, prompting him to grab his firearm and investigate. He claimed to have a concealed carry permit, which was verified through the D.C. Police gun registration database.
According to Lewis, he walked into his courtyard patio area and saw a vehicle in the street.
He yelled, "Hey," and said Blake ran toward him. Lewis told officers Blake was standing in his yard when he fired.
Karon Blake Shooting: DC government employee facing second-degree murder charges
Jason Lewis, the D.C. government employee officials say is responsible for shooting 13-year-old Karon Blake earlier this month, has turned himself in to police and is facing a charge of second-degree murder while armed in connection to the killing.
Images released with court documents show Lewis with his arm extended in his courtyard the night Blake was shot. However, security camera footage did not show Blake coming onto Lewis' property.
Audio of shots being fired can also be heard in the footage.
Lewis, who works for the Department of Parks and Recreation, was placed on administrative leave following the shooting and turned himself in to police on January 31, 2023. (A spokesperson for the Executive Office of the Mayor told FOX 5 that he no longer works for DPR.)
Judge Anthony Epstein ordered Lewis' release from jail, placing him under permanent home confinement and supervision until the case is complete.
The trial will resume with continued testimony on Sept. 7.
Karon Blake Shooting: Court docs reveal new details
FOX 5's Stephanie Ramirez spoke to a member of D.C.'s go-go community who says he knew the man who allegedly shot and killed 13-year-old Karon Blake. Nico Hobson says he’s known Jason Lewis for a long time and that Lewis is not the type of person to make violent moves.