A suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the murders of a Congressional intern and a 17-year-old girl, according to authorities.
Eric Tarpinian Jahim, age 21, was shot and killed on June 30, as reported by Washington, D.C. police. Just days later, on July 4, police revealed that 17-year-old Zoe Kelly had also been fatally shot.
Naquan Lucas, an 18-year-old identified as one of the suspects in both cases, has been arrested, according to a spokesperson from the D.C. Courthouse. Lucas appeared for his arraignment on Thursday afternoon.
Following his identification as one of three suspects in the murder of Tarpinian Jahim, the Metropolitan Police Department reported on Friday that Lucas had also been charged with the killing of Kelly, specifically with premeditated first-degree murder while armed.
Police stated that Tarpinian Jahim was not the intended target in the initial shooting, which also injured a 16-year-old male and an adult female. This shooting took place in the 1200 block of 7th Avenue NW, near the Mount Vernon Square subway station. Authorities described a group of individuals who exited a vehicle and opened fire, resulting in Tarpinian Jahim’s death.
At a press conference, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro noted that as many as 79 shots were fired during the incident that ultimately took Tarpinian Jahim’s life.
Pirro also mentioned that Kelly was in a relationship with Lucas. She expressed that both murders were “predictable,” suggesting the suspects should have faced more severe repercussions for prior offenses. She criticized D.C. City Council members, implying they contribute to the rise in juvenile crime.
Eric Tarpinian Jahim was interning for Rep. Ron Estes (R). A GoFundMe campaign established by friends of Kelly remembers her as “a bright light,” filled with life and laughter. The campaign highlights her infectious energy and how her loss has created an unbearable void for her family and community.
Commenting on the situation, Pirro stated, “Eric came to this city with a bright future as an intern serving the nation at the Capitol. He deserved the opportunity to return home safely.”
The police had previously arrested Jalen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr. in relation to the murder of Tarpinian Jahim. Pirro noted that Lucas and Thomas have a history of violence, particularly in family court.
Tarpinian Jahim’s mother, Tamara, expressed frustration over the ongoing violence, stating that she believed her son felt safe at the time of the incident. She lamented the increasing murder rate in D.C., referring to Eric as the “85th victim, now 86th,” as she sought justice for her son.
