Washington, D.C. — A man implicated in the shooting death of a congressional intern is now facing additional charges for the murder of a teenager just days later, according to law enforcement officials. Naqwan Lucas, 21, has been linked to the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Zoey Kelley, who was killed on July 4.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, the congressional intern who was shot on June 30 while working for Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas, died the following day at a local hospital. Officials indicated that Tarpinian-Jachym’s murder occurred in a neighborhood on 7th Street NW, and he was struck by gunfire during an incident involving multiple victims. In the same incident, a woman and a 16-year-old boy were injured but survived.
The Metropolitan Police Department swiftly moved to charge Lucas with premeditated murder in Kelley’s case after he was already named a suspect in Tarpinian-Jachym’s death. Although he remains at large, authorities have intensified their efforts to locate him.
In early September, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro announced the arrests of two juveniles, Jailen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr., also connected to Tarpinian-Jachym’s murder. Both suspects have prior records with violent offenses in family court, raising concerns about their behavior.
Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith voiced optimism about the ongoing investigation during a press conference, assuring the public that law enforcement will continue to pursue Lucas. “With these two arrests and a third suspect still outstanding, I believe we are making progress,” she said. “Eric deserved to return home safely, and those responsible for his death will be held accountable.”
Tamara Jachym, the mother of the slain intern, has expressed her urgency to see justice served, fearing that those responsible could strike again. She emphasized the shocking nature of her son’s murder, reflecting on the climate of violence in the city. “I think Eric felt secure. It happened at a time that seemed safe, and it led to this tragedy,” she said, noting that Tarpinian-Jachym’s death marked one of many homicides in a city grappling with rising crime rates.
As the investigation continues, the police remain vigilant in their pursuit of justice for both victims, seeking to bring those responsible to face the consequences of their actions.