Witnesses Attest to Homicide Defendant’s Character

By Sonia Vazquez [former] - August 9, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Juveniles | Suspects | Victims |

A jury heard multiple witnesses testify that a homicide defendant is a peaceful man dedicated to helping youth. The testimony came in a case involving a juvenile shooting victim argued before DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein on Aug 8. 

Jason Lewis, 42, is charged with second-degree murder while armed, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and three counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for his alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake on Jan. 7, 2023. The incident occurred on the 1000 block of Quincy Street, NE.

The doctor who performed the autopsy on Blake recovered two projectiles, one from the right side of the chest, another in the pelvis and a fragment from his left arm. She concluded the cause of death was gunshot wounds and the manner was homicide. 

A Department of Forensic Sciences (DFS) analyst provided testimony on an Audi and Kia Sportage involved in the incident.

Security footage from a PNC bank and a dentist’s office down the street allegedly shows two young people get out of a gray Kia and break into several cars, one of which was Lewis’ gray Audi.

The questions were focused mainly on the Kia and the items recovered which she testified included a screwdriver, phone, clothing, and a black backpack. The defense confirmed that none of the items recovered was processed for DNA or fingerprints. 

An MPD Officer testified the black tactical backpack had a VELCRO triangular-shaped pouch attached and could be used as a holster for a gun. 

During a recess, the prosecution filed a motion to exclude evidence about Blake’s prior offenses since they were minimal and did not include violent acts. Judge Epstiein granted the motion given that Lewis only contends that Blake ran at him and did not hold a firearm that night. 

The defense called a woman who’d known Lewis for ten yearsto serve as a character witness, She said he worked at a recreation center and her kids participated in sports there. She recalled Lewis always interacting and helping kids with programs at the center. Further, she said he would often try and deescalate situation among the kids.

She considered Matthews one of the “most peaceful” individuals she knew at the recreation center.

The defense also called on a juvenile diversion coordinator, who testified he knew Lewis through work, specifically youth services and youth projects within the community. 

He testified that in his opinion, Lewis is a non-violent person, peaceful and law abiding, and has been truthful and honest. The witness also mentioned Lewis’ working on a non-profit landscaping program for kids, to teach them skills while getting paid. 

Another of Lewis’ co-workers also testified they had worked together for twelve years prior to the shooting. She described their relationship as having a “healthy competition” and at times were mentors for each other. 

She also recalled seeing Lewis’ interacting with kids and just being a “very loving person.” She added she had seen Lewis building and working on citywide programs, which she claimed helped reduce crime. when he operated them.  

She described Lewis as “a very level-headed man”who obeyed the law and taught kids to follow the law. 

The prosecution then asked whether she knew anything about the incident and the charges, and she responded wasn’t interested in the shooting but only came to testify about Matthews’ character. 

Parties are scheduled to return on Aug. 12.