Two Teens Charged in Murder of Capitol Hill Intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, Third Suspect Still at Large

Washington, D.C. – September 5, 2025 – Authorities have arrested two 17-year-old suspects in connection with the fatal shooting of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old congressional intern, as announced by U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro on Friday. A third suspect remains at large, with the Department of Justice and D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) intensifying efforts to apprehend them.

The tragic incident occurred on June 30, 2025, near the Mount Vernon Square Metro station at the intersection of 7th and M streets NW. Tarpinian-Jachym, a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was caught in a drive-by shooting, struck by stray bullets while heading to a late-night McDonald’s. He succumbed to his injuries the following day, July 1. Two others—a woman and a 16-year-old boy—were also injured but survived.

The two arrested teens, identified as Jalen Lucas of Northwest D.C. and Kelvin Thomas Jr. of Southeast D.C., face first-degree murder charges and will be prosecuted as adults. Pirro revealed that both suspects have prior violent juvenile records, emphasizing the need for stricter accountability. “The D.C. Council thinks these kids need to be protected. They don’t need to be protected. They need to be held accountable, and we need to be protected,” Pirro stated during a press conference.

Investigators recovered two rifles, a 9mm pistol, and 79 rounds at the scene, with evidence suggesting the shooting stemmed from a dispute between rival groups. Tarpinian-Jachym was not the intended target, authorities confirmed. “He was an innocent bystander who was caught in a violent act that was not meant for him,” Pirro said, calling his death a “stark reminder of how fragile life is.”

MPD Chief Pamela Smith, speaking alongside Pirro, expressed hope that the arrests would bring some solace to Tarpinian-Jachym’s family. “Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family,” Smith said, noting she had spoken with the victim’s mother. “I’m confident we’ll get the third one.”

FBI Director Kash Patel praised the collaborative efforts of the FBI, MPD, and DOJ, stating, “The murder of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym shook our nation’s capital, and today justice is moving forward. This is exactly what President Trump meant when he promised to make Washington, D.C. safe again: law and order, accountability, and justice for victims.”

Tarpinian-Jachym, a Granby, Massachusetts native, was interning for Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.) and had been in D.C. for just a month, pursuing his passion for public service. A finance major with a political science minor, he was described as a “kind, gentle soul” by his sister, Angela, and a “good, smart Republican” by friend Phillip Petersen, who suggested a potential “Eric Jachym Act” to bolster D.C. police support.

The victim’s mother, Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym, expressed her grief in an interview with the Daily Mail, stating, “My son had a false sense of security that time of night in that area. It happened a mile away from the White House. Eric took the bullet for a 16-year-old.” She called for increased police presence and federal collaboration to ensure safety in the capital.

Authorities identified the suspects through extensive video analysis and interviews, with the investigation ongoing to locate the third individual. Pirro indicated additional charges may be filed following a grand jury review. While President Trump has proposed reinstating the death penalty for D.C. murder cases, Pirro clarified that this case, prosecuted locally, will not involve capital punishment.

17GEN4.com

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