Federal prosecutors in Washington, D.C., have arrested a third suspect in the June killing of 21-year-old congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, officials confirmed Thursday.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro identified the suspect as 18-year-old Naqwan Lucas, who is accused of participating in the June 30 shooting that killed Tarpinian-Jachym and 22-year-old Zoey Kelley. Two other suspects, Kelvin Thomas Jr. and Jailen Lucas, were previously charged with first-degree murder.
Authorities said the shooting occurred at approximately 10:28 p.m. near the 1200 block of 7th Street Northwest, when multiple suspects exited a vehicle and opened fire. Tarpinian-Jachym, an adult female, and a 16-year-old male were struck. The congressional intern died of his injuries the following day.
Investigators said the attack was targeted, but that Tarpinian-Jachym was not the intended victim.
Pirro confirmed that all three suspects were known to the D.C. juvenile court system and criticized the city’s leadership for what she described as inadequate accountability for violent offenders.
“We live in a district where all three of these juveniles that I just mentioned are known to the juvenile court,” Pirro said. “That’s all I’m gonna say. I can’t say more, and I want to.”
Pirro added that the victims’ deaths were preventable and accused the D.C. Council of prioritizing leniency over public safety.
“Two innocent souls were taken from us in what I believe were predictable homicides based on the behavior of these individuals and the records that everyone knew about,” Pirro said. “But the D.C. Council is more interested in protecting young criminals under the guise of protecting the innocence of youth. It’s time for them to start protecting the citizens of the district, because this is what we’re ending up with.”
Pirro also condemned the city’s rise in shootings and repeat offenses.
“We’re having victims five blocks away, 79 rounds on the ground,” she said. “This is normal behavior in D.C. No more excuses from this council.”
Tarpinian-Jachym was a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, majoring in finance and minoring in political science. He was interning for Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS) and participating in a fellowship program through the Fund for American Studies at the time of his death.
Tarpinian-Jachym’s parents, Tamara and Robert Jachym, said they were devastated by their son’s death.
“We are devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved Eric, a 21-year-old young man full of promise, purpose, and heart,” they said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “Eric was an exceptionally bright and kind soul, with a deep love for the outdoors. He believed deeply in using his voice and talents to make the world a better, more just place.”
The White House said in a statement that President Trump’s administration would work with law enforcement to ensure justice is served.
“President Trump was elected to Make America Safe Again, and he’s empowering his Justice Department, federal, state, and local law enforcement, and prosecutors to hold violent criminals accountable and deliver justice to grieving families like the family of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym,” a spokesperson said. “This administration will ensure full justice is served and is working tirelessly to end the senseless killing of innocent lives.”
The Metropolitan Police Department has offered a $25,000 reward for information leading to additional evidence or testimony in the case.
Officials said the arrests of all three suspects mark a significant step toward prosecution, with charges expected to go before a grand jury in early 2026.
The case has renewed scrutiny of D.C.’s youth-crime policies and follows a string of violent incidents involving repeat juvenile offenders. According to police data, homicides in the District are up 18 percent compared to the same period last year, with nearly 220 reported to date.
Pirro said her office would continue pursuing charges to the fullest extent of the law.
“Justice delayed is justice denied,” she said. “But justice for Eric—that’s what we intend to deliver.”
