Teens Arrested in Fatal Shooting of Capitol Hill Intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym

Two teenagers have been arrested for the murder of Capitol Hill intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym. US Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro announced the arrests on Friday. The suspects, both 17, will be charged as adults. A third suspect remains at large.

The fatal shooting occurred on June 30, 2025, in Washington, D.C. Tarpinian-Jachym was an intern for Kansas Representative Ron Estes. He was a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Details on the Suspects and the Ongoing Investigation

The arrested teens are Jalen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr. They were apprehended in Washington, D.C. Both will face first-degree murder charges.

According to the US Attorney’s Office, both suspects have prior violent juvenile records. The investigation is active as authorities search for a third individual. Officials believe the shooting was not a targeted attack on the intern.

The Metropolitan Police Department provided initial details. They stated multiple suspects exited a vehicle and opened fire on a group. Tarpinian-Jachym was struck by stray bullets during the incident.

Community and Official Response to the Tragedy

Representative Ron Estes shared a heartfelt statement about his intern. He remembered Tarpinian-Jachym’s kind heart and cheerful smile. The congressman asked for prayers for the family’s privacy.

US Attorney Jeanine Pirro also addressed the victim’s parents directly. She offered her commitment to pursuing justice in the case. Pirro acknowledged the family’s unimaginable loss.

The shooting also injured a woman and a 16-year-old boy. Both survived their injuries. The community has expressed shock over the violent death of the young intern.

The arrests bring a measure of progress in the case of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym’s murder. However, the search continues for the final suspect. This tragedy highlights ongoing concerns about gun violence in urban areas.

Info at your fingertips

Who was Eric Tarpinian-Jachym?

He was a 21-year-old college student interning for Congressman Ron Estes. Tarpinian-Jachym was a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts.

What charges do the suspects face?

Jalen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr. face first-degree murder charges. They will be tried as adults in the judicial system.

Was Eric the intended target of the shooting?

Investigators believe he was not the intended target. The shooters fired at a group of people, and he was struck by stray bullets.

Were there other victims in the shooting?

Yes, a woman and a 16-year-old boy were also shot. They both survived their injuries from the incident.

What has been the official response to the murder?

US Attorney Jeanine Pirro vowed to pursue justice for the family. Representative Estes praised his intern’s positive character and service.