A man fatally shoots a 13-year-old boy in D.C. after suspecting him of breaking into a car.
At approximately 4 a.m., Karon Blake was shot and died in the Brookland area on the 1000 block of Quincy Street NE.
A man opened fire on him because he believed someone was tampering with a car.
The boy he allegedly thought was messing with the vehicle is a 13-year-old student attending Brookland Middle School.
D.C. residents are calling for justice. The residents are pleading and calling out to authorities and law officials to name the man responsible for the young boy's death.
Man shoots 13-year-old boy to death
The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed that the shooting occurred on January 7, 2023, at approximately 3:56 a.m. on Quincy Street, Northeast.
According to the information provided by the police, officers from the Fifth District proceeded to the area indicated after receiving a shooting complaint.
When they arrived at the scene, they found a juvenile victim bleeding from what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
The person was taken to a local hospital by D.C. Fire and Emergency Medical Services after they arrived on the scene to assist with the incident.
The victim was proclaimed dead after unsuccessful attempts to save his life.
According to NBC Washington, upon the investigation by the homicide branch, this individual, whose identity has not yet been revealed, owned a firearm that had been legally registered.
Before the shooting, it is believed that he and Blake had an argument with each other. After shooting Blake, the suspect reportedly gave him cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
D.C. calls justice for Karon Blake
Residents in D.C., parents, students, and the family of Blake are calling for justice.
D.C. Council member Christina Henderson went on Twitter to express her support in this tragedy, writing, "Property is not greater than life." Karon should be alive today.
In her tweet, Henderson stated that she would be checking in with D.C. Public Schools and the Department of Behavioral Health to ensure that Brookland Middle School is receiving the appropriate help.
Property is not greater than life. Karon should be alive today.
— Christina Henderson (@chenderson) January 9, 2023
I’m checking in with DCPS and the Dept of Behavioral Health to make sure the Brookland MS community has the appropriate support in the days and months ahead. https://t.co/bNin24aXzO
This incident has since gained social media traction and outrage from the public, as some view it as another hate crime.
There are also numerous photos of people in circulation on social media platforms accusing them of being involved in this case.
Certain individuals draw conclusions and look for those not involved in the situation. Several individuals are making allegations about race.
According to NBC, Police Chief Robert J. Contee III has been quite critical of what he has called inaccuracies and speculation regarding the case, which he has referred to as unfortunate.
Furthermore, the principal of Brookland Middle School, Kerry Richardson, stated to the school staff that Blake is leaving behind his mother and three younger siblings.
Richardson also admitted that Blake's love for fashion, football, and the community was evident.
Despite this, it was clear that Blake cherished Brookland Middle School and the routines and structures that it provided for him even more.
Richardson stated that the institution would provide students and staff with help for their mental health. They will also gather to pay their respects and honor Blake's life.
