News Summary
Two 17-year-old boys have been arrested for the murder of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old UMass intern, shot in D.C. The suspects face first-degree murder charges. Tarpinian-Jachym, an innocent victim of a gang-related shooting, died from his injuries the following day. Authorities are still searching for a third suspect connected to the crime, offering a $50,000 reward. The incident has raised concerns over public safety and gun violence in the city, prompting community responses and official statements from local leaders.
Washington, D.C. – Two 17-year-old boys have been arrested for the murder of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old intern from the University of Massachusetts, who was shot near the convention center in Washington, D.C. on June 30, 2025. The suspects, identified as Kevin Thomas Jr. and Jalen Lucas, both residents of D.C., are charged with first-degree murder and will be prosecuted as adults due to prior violent records on their records.
Tarpinian-Jachym, originally from Granby, Massachusetts, was not the intended target of the shooting yet sustained life-threatening injuries that led to his death the following day in the hospital. He was one of three individuals injured during the incident, which has been attributed to an ongoing neighborhood crew dispute. A total of 79 rounds were fired during the shooting, which also left a 16-year-old victim injured.
Law enforcement is still hunting for a third suspect in connection with the crime. The individual, 18-year-old Naqwan Antonio “Qwan” Lucas, is wanted, and an arrest warrant has been issued in D.C. Authorities are offering a reward of up to $50,000 for any information that leads to Lucas’s capture.
The shooting attracted significant attention from law enforcement and the community, reflecting ongoing concerns about public safety in the city. The suspects fled the scene in a car that was reported stolen in Maryland, which was later recovered. U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, noted that the recent arrests are a significant step towards justice for Tarpinian-Jachym. D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser emphasized the need for measures to combat the rising gun violence epidemic in the capital city.
Tarpinian-Jachym was in D.C. for a Congressional internship with Republican Representative Ron Estes from Kansas, focusing on politics and finance. His family expressed immense sadness over his untimely passing, detailing his determination to overcome obstacles such as dyslexia and a heart condition to achieve his goals. He was remembered as a kind and gentle soul who intended to make a positive impact in the world.
The murder of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym has not only affected his family and friends but has also captured national attention, with remarks from President Trump addressing concerns around crime in Washington, D.C. and the necessity for focused efforts on violent offenses. As investigations continue and community outrage grows, authorities are determined to seek justice while tackling the broader issues of safety in urban neighborhoods.
With the arrests of Thomas and Lucas, local residents hope for swift justice in this tragic case, while law enforcement agencies remain dedicated to capturing the remaining suspect and mitigating the violence pervading the streets of Washington, D.C.
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Additional Resources
- WCVB News
- Wikipedia: Crime in Washington, D.C.
- CBS News
- Google Search: Eric Tarpinian-Jachym
- Fox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Murder
- MassLive
- Google News: Eric Tarpinian-Jachym shooting
- Boston Globe
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.
