News Summary
Two 17-year-olds have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a UMass Amherst intern in D.C. The incident, part of an ongoing neighborhood dispute, left one dead and several injured. Community leaders emphasize the urgency of addressing youth violence as investigations continue, with one suspect still at large.
Washington, D.C. – Two Teenagers Arrested in Connection with Fatal Shooting of UMass Congressional Intern
Two 17-year-olds, Kelvin Thomas Jr. and Jalen Lucas, have been arrested and charged as adults with first-degree murder in the shooting death of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old University of Massachusetts Amherst student who was interning for Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas. Tarpinian-Jachym was shot on June 30 in the 1200 block of 7th Street, Washington, D.C., while caught in a neighborhood crew dispute. He was struck four times in the incident, which included two rifles, one 9mm, and left 79 spent rounds on the ground, highlighting the severity of the violence.
Tarpinian-Jachym was rushed to the hospital immediately after the shooting but succumbed to his injuries the following day. He was reportedly an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. A woman and a 16-year-old boy were also injured in the incident but are expected to recover.
Details Of The Arrests
Kelvin Thomas Jr. and Jalen Lucas both have prior records of violence in family court, which further complicates their cases. In addition to these two teenagers, a third suspect, 18-year-old Naqwan Antonio “Qwan” Lucas, remains at large. Authorities are actively searching for him and have issued a $50,000 reward for information pertaining to his arrest. D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith indicated that the investigation uncovered that the shooting was linked to ongoing disputes between local neighborhood crews. Key to identifying the suspects were video evidence and assistance from the community.
The Victim
Tarpinian-Jachym was a rising senior majoring in politics and finance. He faced several challenges in his young life, including dyslexia and a heart condition, yet remained determined to make a difference through his work and education. His family described him as a “kind and gentle soul” who was enthusiastic about contributing to democracy through his internship in D.C.
Rep. Ron Estes expressed sorrow over the loss, remembering Tarpinian-Jachym for his cheerful demeanor and kind heart. Following the tragic event, President Donald Trump referenced Tarpinian-Jachym’s case while announcing the involvement of the National Guard in efforts to combat crime in Washington, D.C.
Community Impact and Response
The fatal shooting has shocked the community, and local officials, including U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, condemned the act as a “senseless” killing, asserting that residents should not live in fear in Washington, D.C. Tarpinian-Jachym’s family has publicly voiced their ongoing grief, with his sister indicating uncertainty about healing from such a profound loss. The impact of this tragedy resonates not only within Tarpinian-Jachym’s family but across the broader community, as many reflect on the violence and its consequences in the nation’s capital.
D.C. authorities continue to address the issues surrounding youth violence, emphasizing the need for concerted community efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future. The city grapples with the harsh realities of gun violence while seeking to support families like Tarpinian-Jachym’s in a time of deep grief.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by urban communities and the importance of safety and support for young individuals striving to contribute positively to society. As the investigation continues, local leaders stress the need for collaboration to foster a safer environment for all residents.
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Additional Resources
- WCVB: Arrests in Fatal Shooting of UMass Washington Intern
- Wikipedia: Gun Violence in the United States
- Boston 25 News: Two Teens Arrested in Killing of Mass College Student
- Google Search: Washington D.C. shootings
- CBS News: Arrest in Capitol Hill DC Intern Murder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime
- Washington Post: Congressional Intern Shooting Suspects Arrested
- Google News: Eric Tarpinian-Jachym
- ABC45: DC Congressional Intern Shooting Arrest
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
