Judge Denies Defense Request to Postpone Murder Trial for Lack of Diligence

Thank you for reading D.C. Witness. Help us continue our mission into 2024.

DC Superior Court Judge Anthony Epstein denied a defense’s request to postpone a murder trial on July 25 saying they haven’t proceeded with due diligence.

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 shooting of 13-year-old Karon Blake on Jan. 7, 2023. The incident occurred on the 1000 block of Quincy Street, NE.

Lewis’ defense attorney, Edward Ungvarsky, stated the “bottom line” for the request to delay the trial, which is slated to begin Aug. 5, is that the defense needs more time to investigate the relevant matters in the case.

The defense counsel said they just received the body-worn camera footage this week, revealing at least three new witnesses, and added there were injuries sustained by Blake that they were not previously aware of. Ungvarsky requested more time to access hospital records, and interview new witnesses and victims.

Judge Epstein denied the continuance in light of a previous delay of the trial in April, which was granted to allow the defense to further investigate the incident.

“I don’t think the defense pursued this discovery with as much diligence and urgency as it could have,” Judge Epstein said.

Parties will reconvene on Aug. 5.