Washington, D.C. — A man suspected of fatally shooting a congressional intern has now been linked to the death of a teenage girl just days later, according to authorities. The Metropolitan Police Department revealed that Naqwan Lucas, 21, is a suspect in both cases.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old intern for Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kan., was shot on June 30 while in Washington. He succumbed to his injuries the following day. Officers found Tarpinian-Jachym wounded in the 1200 block of 7th Street NW, where he had been working.
Days later, on July 4, 17-year-old Zoey Kelley was found shot in a separate incident. Despite swift police action, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The alarming frequency of violence has raised serious concerns among community members and police officials alike.
In a turn of events, Lucas has been charged with premeditated first-degree murder in Kelley’s death. While he awaits arrest, two other suspects, Jailen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr., have already been taken into custody regarding Tarpinian-Jachym’s murder. Both individuals have prior records related to violent offenses and are currently facing charges in juvenile court.
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith addressed the situation in a recent press conference, expressing confidence that Lucas would soon be apprehended. “These arrests provide some measure of solace to Eric’s family,” she said, highlighting the impact of these incidents on loved ones and the larger community.
Tarpinian-Jachym’s mother, Tamara Jachym, has been vocal in her demand for justice, emphasizing the urgent need for law enforcement to keep the community safe. “These individuals will do it again if they are not stopped,” she warned. At the time of her son’s murder, there had been a troubling rise in the number of homicides in D.C.
Amid rising crime rates and concerns about safety, the city’s residents remain on edge. The Metropolitan Police Department continues its investigation as they work to ensure justice for Tarpinian-Jachym and Kelley, while also striving to restore peace in the community.