Karen Blake, 13, who was shot by a Washington, D.C., government employee earlier this month when he yelled “I’m just a kid,” turned himself in Tuesday, according to court documents and Metropolitan Police Chief Robert, Facing second-degree murder charges. Conti.
According to court documents describing the surveillance footage, Blake repeatedly shouted “sorry” and “I’m only 12” as the suspect fired in his direction. Conti said the video was an integral part of the investigation.
Jason Lewis, 41, was charged with second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Blake at around 4 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, on Quincy Street NE near Brookland, court documents say.
Lewis heard voices and saw what appeared to be “tampering with the vehicle”. According to police, the DC resident walked outside with a legally registered firearm and opened fire. Conti said Lewis fired at a “getaway vehicle” before shooting Blake. Neighbors said they heard four or five gunshots during the incident.
Karon Blake Shooting: Timeline of Events
Conti confirmed Tuesday that a group of “young people” used flashlights to “enter” cars in the neighborhood early in the morning on Jan. 7. Three cars on the block had damaged or broken windows, according to court documents. Police previously said officers found a stolen car near the scene that they believe was used by Blake.
Conte said there was no direct confrontation or communication between Lewis and Blake. According to police documents, Lewis told officers he said, “Hey! What are you all doing?”
Conti said the first shots appeared to have been directed at the fleeing vehicle. Contee said it looked like Blake may have been trying to get back into the vehicle, but it reversed into the alley.
“At some point,” Conti said, Blake ran to Lewis. Conti said it was unclear if Blake knew where Lewis was.
“It’s 4 a.m.; it’s dark outside,” Conti said. “And, as we have learned through our investigation, there were some discrepancies in what was initially described to us as we investigated. The initial shooting of the fleeing vehicle was not part of our initial discussions with Mr. Lewis.”
Police previously said the man performed CPR on Blake after he shot him. Blake died in hospital a short time later.
“Anytime we lose a life, especially a child’s life, it really pricks my soul,” Conti said Tuesday.
Conti urged anyone who was with Blake that night to come forward, but declined to say whether any charges would be filed, saying that would be up to the attorney general’s office.
“My assessment is, these young people, they need someone to intervene,” Conti said.
Conti said earlier this month that a grand jury had been called to investigate the case.
He said the allegations being made revolved around race, with photos of innocent people accused of murder circulating on social media. Conti said the allegations were false and that the man involved was African-American.
“I think some of the behavior I’ve seen has become very reckless and dangerous. We generally don’t identify people … in situations like this, unless we have a warrant on hand for that person, or unless someone we’re Tried to make sure, but we don’t know who that person is. That’s not what we’re dealing with here,” Conti said.
Conti said the man who shot Blake cooperated with police and hired a lawyer. He was placed on administrative leave following the shooting, city officials said.
A homeowner shot and killed 13-year-old Karon Blake in the northeast Saturday after seeing someone tamper with his vehicle around 4 a.m., police said.
Blake is a student at Brooklands Middle School.
“He was a quiet and inquisitive academic with a passion for fashion and football. As much as he loved his community, he loved Brookland MS (faculty and his peers) even more and the structure it presented to him. He stayed His mom and three younger siblings,” Brooklands Principal Kerry Richardson said.
Blake, considered the “best boy” in his class, made his siblings laugh at a vigil earlier this month.
The killing led safety advocates and D.C. lawmakers to question why deadly force was used.
“Possessions are not greater than life. Karen should be alive today,” tweeted D.C. Commissioner Christina Henderson.
Ward 5 Commissioner Zachary Parker released a statement saying, “No car or material property is worth a life under any circumstances. I join the residents of Ward 5 in calling on the MPD and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to hold individuals accountable for taking Caron’s life.”
“If you feel there is a public safety concern in or around your home, call 911. Calling 911 is the right thing to do,” said District of Columbia Mayor Muriel Bowser.
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