WASHINGTON, D.C. – Two teenage suspects have been taken into custody for the fatal shooting of a congressional intern in Northwest D.C., while police continue to search for a third individual wanted in the case.
Deadly Shooting in Northwest D.C.
The violence unfolded late on June 30 in the 1200 block of 7th Street, Northwest. Officers responded swiftly to reports of gunfire but arrived to a harrowing scene.
One victim lay unconscious, while two others—including a 16-year-old juvenile—were found injured but still responsive. All three were rushed to nearby hospitals. Despite medical efforts, 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a congressional intern from Granby, Massachusetts, died from his injuries.
Arrests of Two Teen Suspects
After days of investigation, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD), working alongside the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF), made significant progress. On Friday, authorities arrested Kelvin Thomas and Jailen Lucas, both 17 years old.
Despite their age, both teens are being charged as adults with First Degree Murder while Armed (Premeditated). Police have not released a motive but emphasized that the case reflects the growing trend of juvenile involvement in violent crimes across the District.
Third Suspect Still at Large
While two suspects are in custody, investigators stress that the case remains active. Authorities have identified a third individual: 18-year-old Naqwan Antonio Lucas.
Lucas is wanted on a D.C. Superior Court arrest warrant for First Degree Murder while Armed (Premeditated). Police have circulated his name and image through a regional bulletin, urging the public and law enforcement agencies to assist in locating him.
“The investigation has identified a third and final suspect, 18-year-old Naqwan Antonio Lucas,” MPD confirmed in a public statement. “We remain determined to bring him to justice.”
A Case That Shocked the Capitol
The killing of Tarpinian-Jachym has rattled both the local community and Capitol Hill. The 21-year-old was remembered as a promising young man committed to public service. His death has reignited conversations about public safety in D.C. and the escalating violence impacting residents and visitors alike.
Community leaders have pointed to the case as evidence of the urgent need for intervention programs for at-risk youth, alongside more coordinated efforts to reduce gun violence across the city.
Ongoing Investigation
MPD continues to ask for the public’s help in locating Naqwan Lucas. Anyone with information is urged to call police at 202-727-9099 or submit tips anonymously via the department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411.
As two teenagers face trial and another remains on the run, the case stands as a grim reminder of how quickly violence can shatter lives and communities in the nation’s capital.
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