A former detective from the New York City Police Department suggests that the approach taken by Washington, D.C. police regarding the death of a congressional intern is “unusual.”
Washington, D.C. police report that on June 30 at approximately 10:28 p.m., Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in D.C. for an internship, was shot and later succumbed to his injuries at a local hospital on July 1. At the time, Tarpinian-Jachym was interning for Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kan.
According to the Metropolitan Police Department, multiple individuals were observed leaving a car before opening fire, during which Tarpinian-Jachym was hit. Authorities indicated that Tarpinian-Jachym was not the intended target and that an adult female and a 16-year-old male sustained injuries. The shooting occurred at the 1200 block of 7th Street, Northwest, close to the Mt Vernon Sq 7th St-Convention Center Metro station.
Tarpinian-Jachym’s mother, Tamara Jachym, mentioned to Fox News Digital that the Metropolitan Police Department has not consistently provided updates on her son’s case status. No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym pictured with his mother, Tamara Jachym. (Tamara Jachym)
The former detective stated, “[Detectives] understand the importance of communication to deliver comfort as well as inform about the case progress. Details such as whether witnesses have been interviewed, if eyewitnesses have been identified, whether the crime scene has revealed any information, and all other facets of the investigation should be communicated.”
In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokeswoman for the Metropolitan Police Department noted: “This is an active and open investigation that our detectives continue to pursue. We maintain contact with the family and provide updates.”
In an earlier interview with Fox News Digital, Eric’s mother, Tamara Jachym, said her son faced challenges in his life but constantly found ways to overcome it.
“He had ambition because he had some adversity in his life. A lot of things have happened to him. And he did struggle initially, like he had severe dyslexia as a first-grader. He couldn’t read or write, but boy, he could do it. He taught himself mathematics and how to play chess from YouTube,” Jachym said. “He had some adversity issues, but I think he felt accepted in D.C. because he was bright and articulate, and he was always kind of flat-faced. When he smiled, you knew he meant it. It was genuine.”
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym seen fishing. (Tamara Jachym )
The FBI and Metropolitan Police Department are offering a $40,000 reward for anyone who provides information leading to an arrest and conviction, and are encouraging them to contact (202) 727-9099.
