Authorities in Washington, D.C., have released mugshots of two teenage suspects arrested in connection with the fatal drive-by shooting of congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, while a third suspect remains on the run. The high-profile case has shaken Capitol Hill and reignited debate over youth violence, public safety, and the justice system in the nation’s capital.
A Promising Future Cut Short
Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was interning for Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas during his summer in Washington. On June 30, while walking near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center, he was caught in a barrage of gunfire from a passing vehicle. Officials have said he was not the intended target; the shooting stemmed from an ongoing neighborhood dispute.
The incident also left a woman and a 16-year-old boy injured, highlighting the random and devastating impact of gun violence in the District. The murder of a young congressional intern—someone seen as a rising star with ambitions in public service—has struck a particularly emotional chord on Capitol Hill.
During a moment of silence on the House floor, Rep. Estes described Tarpinian-Jachym as “a dedicated, thoughtful, and kind young man who loved our country and was eager to serve.”
Suspects Identified and Charged
Two suspects, both 17 years old, have been arrested and charged as adults with premeditated first-degree murder while armed. They have been identified as Kelvin Thomas Jr., from Southeast D.C., and Jailen Lucas, from Northwest D.C. Both are being held without bond.
According to investigators, the teens unleashed dozens of rounds from a stolen car during the shooting, turning a busy street into a crime scene. Law enforcement pieced together surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and forensic evidence to secure the arrests.
Despite their age, prosecutors moved swiftly to charge the teens as adults, underscoring the severity of the crime and the rising frustration with juvenile violence in the District.
Third Suspect at Large
Authorities are still searching for 18-year-old Naqwan Antonio Lucas of Granby, Massachusetts, who faces the same charges. A warrant has been issued for his arrest, and the Metropolitan Police Department, FBI, and U.S. Marshals Service have offered a combined $50,000 reward for information leading to his capture.
Police are urging the public not to approach Lucas, who is considered armed and dangerous. Tips can be submitted by calling 202-727-9099 or by texting 50411.
Community and Political Fallout
The killing has amplified concerns about violent crime in Washington, particularly crimes involving young offenders. Officials have pointed out that the suspects had prior interactions with the criminal justice system, raising questions about whether existing laws and interventions are effective at deterring violent behavior.
“This case is a tragic reminder of what happens when accountability is lacking and juveniles believe they can commit violent crimes without consequence,” said one senior D.C. law enforcement official.
On Capitol Hill, lawmakers have called for stronger collaboration between local and federal authorities to address rising violence. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized that justice will be pursued vigorously, saying, “We will ensure those responsible face the full weight of the law.”
A Broader Debate
Beyond the immediate manhunt, the case has become a flashpoint in broader debates over crime, punishment, and prevention. Critics of the District’s handling of juvenile cases argue that leniency has emboldened repeat offenders, while advocates for reform caution against over-correcting in ways that strip young people of rehabilitation opportunities.
For many, however, the murder of a promising young intern underscores the need for urgent action. Communities in the capital say they want both safety and fairness—but above all, they want justice for Eric Tarpinian-Jachym and accountability for those who cut his life short.
A Call for Justice
As the manhunt for the third suspect intensifies, D.C. residents, lawmakers, and the intern’s grieving family are united in their demand for answers and accountability. What began as a senseless act of violence has now turned into a defining test of how Washington confronts youth crime, violent offenders, and public trust in the justice system.
For Tarpinian-Jachym’s family and friends, nothing can bring him back. But for a city rattled by his death, the hope is that his story spurs a renewed determination to protect the lives and futures of others.
