by Washington, D.C. – Two teenagers were arrested Friday in connection with the murder of a University of Massachusetts student who was interning in Congress this past summer. The fatal shooting has sent shockwaves through both the D.C. community and UMass.
The victim, Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, of Granby, Massachusetts, was one of three individuals wounded in a shooting near the Washington Convention Center on June 30. All three were rushed to hospitals, and Tarpinian-Jachym died the following day. Authorities confirmed he was an innocent bystander, not the intended target.
Arrests and Charges
At a news conference Friday, U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced that two 17-year-old boys have been arrested and charged with first-degree murder. Both are being charged as adults and have previous violent records in family court.
Authorities are still seeking 18-year-old Naqwan Antonio “Qwan” Lucas, who is wanted in connection with the shooting. Lucas faces a D.C. Superior Court arrest warrant for first-degree murder while armed. Law enforcement is offering a reward of up to $50,000 for information leading to his arrest.
Victim Background
Tarpinian-Jachym was a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts and spent the summer in Washington, D.C., working as a congressional intern for Rep. Ron Estes, a Republican from Kansas.
His mother, Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym, told WJLA-TV that her son was neurodiverse, overcame dyslexia, and managed a heart condition to secure the highly sought-after internship. She described him as a dedicated and hardworking student whose life was cut tragically short.
Investigation Details
Metropolitan Police Commander Kevin Kentish stated that investigators believe the shooting stemmed from a neighborhood crew dispute. While the teens are accused of the murder, authorities are continuing to piece together the sequence of events and motive behind the attack.
Mayor Muriel Bowser spoke at the press conference, expressing concern over gun violence in the city:
“I want to echo what we’ve heard today about ensuring that there is justice for Eric. Any level of gun violence in our city is unacceptable and certainly someone just walking up the street in the evening on one of our D.C. streets should be safe in doing so.”
Officials have reiterated that public safety remains a top priority, particularly in areas near Capitol Hill and the Convention Center where the incident occurred.
Next Steps
The two teens charged with murder are expected to appear in court in the coming days, while police continue to pursue Lucas. Investigators are asking anyone with information regarding his whereabouts to contact D.C. police.
The Tarpinian-Jachym family has called for justice and accountability, highlighting the importance of addressing gun violence in urban areas and protecting innocent bystanders.
Share your thoughts on this heartbreaking case in the comments below and stay tuned for updates as authorities work to apprehend the remaining suspect.
