‘Guilty People Don’t Give CPR,’ Defense Concludes in Homicide Trial

By Sonia Vazquez [former] - August 16, 2024
Court | Daily Stories | Homicides | Suspects | Victims |

Parties in a homicide trial delivered closing arguments on Aug. 15 before  DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein with the defendant claiming he had a right to protect his home.

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.

Before closings began, the prosecution discussed a subpoena and bench warrant ssued for Lewis’ wife, but had not been served. The prosecution requested the trial be carried to Monday so the US Marshals could locate her. 

According to the prosecution, her car was found at her sister’s residence with her purse and phone inside and took an Uber to an undisclosed location as told by the US Marshals. 

The prosecution told Judge Epstein she should be considered a material witness, because she said she never heard anyone shooting at Lewis. However, the defense said her testimony was based on her observations, and she may have not been paying attention. 

The judge denied a request to carry the trial to Monday as he did not want any delay and stated if Lewis’ wife was a critical witness she should have subpoenaed sooner. 

During closing arguments, the prosecution displayed a photo of Blake and an audio recording after he was shot, in which he is heard saying “I’m sorry I’m sorry,” and “I’m just a kid.”

The prosecution insisted that, although Blake had been allegedly attempting to break into cars the night of the incident, it did not justify shooting him.

They disputed Lewis’ self-defense claim, stating he was shooting first, and continuing to shoot as the kids ran away contents his argument. 

The prosecution pointed out that Lewis did not have to go outside that night as there was no imminent danger, adding that his security camera showed him walking through his home to the gate entrance and depicted “how quickly” he turned right and fired at a car, striking Blake.  

They ended by insisting that Lewis’ stance after shooting Blake was not that of someone who is afraid, but rather someone attempting to act as a hero with the mentality of “not in my neighborhood.” 

Edward Ungvarsky, Lewis’ attorney, painted Lewis a conflict resolver, adding that he’s not an angry person, but rather he’s peaceful, calm, and collected. “He’s not a hothead shooting at kids breaking into his car,” Unvarsky told the jury. 

According to Ungvarsky, Lewis had grabbed a gun, which he was allowed to carry, intending to protect his family, adding that there is not a need to “agree with his choices,” but rather recognize his legal right to defend against a threat coming at him.

Lewis’ body language that night, Ungvarsky claimed, was the posture of someone in shock, not a killer as the prosecution interpreted. 

Ungvarsky also mentioned Lewis’ cooperation with police, stating he had willingly let officers see his phone and come into his home, claiming it is what innocent people do.

“Guilty people don’t give CPR,” Ungvarsky insisted, stating Lewis was focused on helping the boy.

He asked the jury to put themselves in Lewis’ position that night, and requested they acquit him of all charges.

Parties will reconvene when the jury has reached a verdict.