Two 17-year-olds were arrested in the murder of Capitol Hill intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym.
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro identified two individuals, Jailen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr., as the suspects. They have been charged with armed murder, classified as first-degree murder under D.C. law, and will face trial in an adult court.
Pirro mentioned that although Lucas and Thomas are juveniles, they have previous violent offenses in family court. She condemned D.C. leadership for supposedly being lenient towards juvenile offenders in the past, stating, “They don’t need protection; they must be held responsible, and we deserve protection.”
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym in the nation’s capital. (Phillip Peterson)
FBI Director Kash Patel commented on the case, stating, “The murder of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym disturbed the nation’s capital, and today, justice is underway. Due to the persistent efforts of the FBI, MPD, and the Justice Department, the suspects are now in custody. This captures President Trump’s promise to restore safety to Washington, D.C.: ensuring law and order, accountability, and justice for victims,” he told Fox News Digital in an exclusive statement.
Attorney General Pam Bondi also commented on the arrests, saying that if the suspects are convicted, “they will face severe justice.”
“We hope that this provides some measure of solace to his family,” Bondi added in a statement.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym pictured with his mother, Tamara Jachym. (Tamara Jachym)
In July, the House paid tribute to Tarpinian-Jachym with a moment of silence. Representative Estes commended the fallen intern, calling him a person who was “dedicated, thoughtful, and kind, with a deep love for our country.”
“Eric was a warm and welcoming presence in my office, always greeting visitors with a smile,” Estes remarked on the House floor. “His absence will be deeply felt. We will always remember his presence and kindness. Those who met him during his brief time in my office will always remember him too.”
Tarpinian-Jachym is survived by his mother, Tamara; his father, Robert; his sister, Angela; and his brother, Jeremy.
President Donald Trump’s strategy for addressing crime in Washington, D.C. has received both support and criticism, especially as National Guard troops have been deployed to patrol the streets.
In August, former Department of Government Efficiency employee Edward Coristine, best known by his online nickname “Big Balls,” was the victim of a violent attack in D.C. Two teenagers were subsequently arrested and charged in connection with his assault.
