Congressional intern murder suspect allegedly killed 17-year-old girl days after first shooting: police
Share this @internewscast.com

Authorities have apprehended a suspect linked to the murder of a congressional intern and a 17-year-old girl, as confirmed by officials.

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, aged 21, succumbed to gunshot wounds on June 30, according to Washington, D.C. police. Merely days later, on July 4, 17-year-old Zoey Kelley was also fatally shot, police reported.

Naqwan Lucas, 18, identified as a suspect in both incidents, has been taken into custody, a spokesman for D.C. Courts revealed to Fox News Digital. Lucas faced his arraignment in court on Thursday afternoon.

Following the announcement by the Metropolitan Police Department that Lucas was one of three suspects in Tarpinian-Jachym’s murder, it was disclosed on Friday that he is also being charged with Kelley’s murder. The charges include premeditated first-degree murder while armed.

A photo of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym and his mother Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym in a side-by-side image with suspect Naqwan Lucas.

Images show Tamara and Eric Tarpinian-Jachym (left) alongside suspect Naqwan Lucas (right). (Photo credits: Tamara Tarpinian-Jackym (left); Metropolitan Police Department (right))

Authorities noted that the initial shooting, which was not intended for Tarpinian-Jachym, also resulted in injuries to a 16-year-old male and an adult female. The attack occurred on the 1200 block of 7th Street, Northwest, near the Mt. Vernon Square 7th St-Convention Center Metro station. Officials recounted that several individuals exited a vehicle and opened fire, resulting in Tarpinian-Jachym’s death.

During a press conference on Thursday, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said that a total of 79 shots were fired in the shooting that ended up killing Tarpinian-Jachym.

According to Pirro, Kelley was Lucas’ girlfriend.

Pirro said that both homicides were “predictable,” adding that these suspects should have been punished harder for previous crimes. She said that DC City Council members are “complicit” in the juvenile crimes that take place within the district.

Zoey Kelley smiling

Zoey Kelley smiles in an undated picture. (GoFundMe)

“Eric died alone. No mother, no father, no sister. Why? Because three teenagers, two 17, one 18, all accustomed to getting away with criminal behavior because they lived in a district that didn’t take it seriously. They never believed they would be punished. So they kept moving,” Pirro said.

Tarpinian-Jachym was an intern for Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kan.

A GoFundMe set up by Kelley’s loved ones described her as a “bright light in this world — full of life, laughter, and love. Her energy was magnetic, and her smile could brighten the darkest days.”

“Zoey had so much ahead of her — dreams she wanted to pursue, goals she was working toward, and memories still to be made,” the GoFundMe read. “On that devastating day, Zoey was simply walking outside when she became the victim of a violent and tragic act. What was supposed to be an ordinary moment turned into a life-altering one for her family and community. Her passing has left a painful void that words cannot begin to describe.”

Jailen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr. were both previously arrested in connection with the killing of Tarpinian-Jachym.

Naqwan Lucas poses for a booking picture

The Metropolitan Police Department released more pictures of Naqwan Lucas. (Metropolitan Police Department)

Lucas and Thomas have violent records in family court, Pirro said, noting that they are juveniles.

“Eric came to our city with a bright future ahead of him interning in a role where he served the public on Capitol Hill. He deserved an opportunity to return home safely to his family but was senselessly taken from his loved ones,” Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said during a September press conference.

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym seen in a picture holding a fish

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym seen fishing. (Tamara Jachym  )

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym with mother

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym seen celebrating with his mother. (Tamara Jachym )

In an earlier interview with Fox News Digital, Tamara Jachym, Tarpinian-Jachym’s mother, said that police need to arrest the individuals responsible because “they will do it again.”

“I think Eric felt safe. It was early at night. He was in a decent area and this happened. And it’s a shame. And you know, Eric was the 85th victim and now we have an 86,” she added, referring to the number of homicides in Washington, D.C., at the time. 

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Ex-Yankees World Series star Mark Teixeira wins GOP House primary race in Texas

Former Yankees Star Mark Teixeira Secures Victory in Texas GOP House Primary

Mark Teixeira, known for his stellar career with the New York Yankees,…
Bay Area weatherman Spencer Christian shares story behind sudden absence

Bay Area Meteorologist Spencer Christian Reveals Shocking Reason for Recent Disappearance

An admired Bay Area weatherman mysteriously disappeared from broadcasts earlier this month,…
Andy Dick has ‘5 to 7 holes’ in his brain after L.A. overdose

Andy Dick Suffers Significant Brain Damage Following Los Angeles Overdose

Comedian Andy Dick has candidly shared details about a harrowing experience last…
Even GOP senators rip Noem over $220M taxpayer-funded TV ads -- starring her

Outrage Erupts: GOP Senators Slam Governor Noem for $220M Taxpayer-Funded Ads Featuring Herself

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem found herself under fire from GOP senators…
Young mother swept away to her death while hiking in California, officials say

Young Mother Tragically Loses Life in California Hiking Incident, Officials Report

A tragic incident occurred on Sunday when a young mother drowned after…
Goon sets sleeping man on fire inside Penn Station as ghoulish pals look on: cops

Man Set on Fire in Disturbing Penn Station Incident While Onlookers Watch: Police Report

In a shocking incident at Penn Station, a pyromaniac attacked a sleeping…
US F-15 pilots shot down in Kuwait got help after likely carrying 'blood chits'

US F-15 Pilots Downed in Kuwait Received Aid, Likely Utilized ‘Blood Chits

When American pilots were accidentally shot down in Kuwait, they encountered locals…
Mother in affluent Florida community killed 2 children before taking her own life: police

Tragic Murder-Suicide Shakes Affluent Florida Neighborhood: A Mother and Her Two Children Lost

In a tragic incident in Lakewood Ranch, Florida, a mother ended the…
Austin shooting suspect wearing hoodie referencing Allah and carrying rifle

Chilling Doorbell Footage Captures Austin Shooter’s Final Moments Before Tragic Massacre

Newly surfaced footage from a doorbell camera reveals the suspect involved in…
Hot Takes: Libertarian Brain Trust Dunks on Iranian Women Celebrating Freedom, and They Dunk Right Back

Libertarian Criticism Backfires as Iranian Women Defiantly Celebrate Freedom

Social media platforms are abuzz with commentary and critique over Operation Epic…
Retired judge blasts Gavin Newsom for making California less safe

Retired Judge Criticizes Governor Gavin Newsom’s Policies for Compromising California’s Safety

A California judge, known for handling some of the state’s most dangerous…
Pennsylvania bus driver charged with endangering dozens of elementary students while intoxicated

Pennsylvania Bus Driver Faces Charges for Allegedly Endangering Elementary Students While Intoxicated

A troubling incident in Pennsylvania has come to light involving a school…