Mugshots released in killing of Capitol Hill intern as police search for third suspect

Police in Washington, D.C., have released mugshots of two teenagers accused in the shooting death of a Capitol Hill intern near the White House.

According to Fox News, authorities say two 17-year-olds have been arrested in the June 30 killing of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, while a manhunt is ongoing for a third suspect who remains at large.

The victim, 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, was a University of Massachusetts Amherst student who had been interning for Rep. Ron Estes of Kansas. He was fatally shot less than a mile from the White House during a late-night attack that also left two others injured.

Details of the Arrested Suspects

Police identified the arrested teenagers as Kelvin Thomas Jr. and Jailen Lucas. Both have been charged with premeditated first-degree murder while armed in connection with the attack.

Investigators have not disclosed how the suspects were identified but confirmed their mugshots were made public to inform the community and support the ongoing investigation.

Authorities continue to explore whether the third suspect, 18-year-old Naqwan Antonio Lucas of Granby, Massachusetts, has any family ties to Jailen Lucas, though no link has been established.

Ongoing Manhunt for Third Suspect

Naqwan Lucas remains at large, and law enforcement agencies are seeking public assistance to locate him. Officials have not confirmed whether he has a prior criminal history.

To encourage cooperation, authorities have offered a combined reward of $50,000 for information leading to his capture. This includes $25,000 from the Metropolitan Police Department, $15,000 from the FBI, and $10,000 from the U.S. Marshals Service.

Law enforcement stressed that anyone with knowledge of Lucas’s whereabouts should come forward immediately, cautioning that he may be armed and dangerous.

Impact on the Victim’s Community

Tarpinian-Jachym’s death has reverberated throughout Capitol Hill and his home community. In July, members of the House of Representatives observed a moment of silence in his memory, underscoring the loss felt by both his colleagues and family.

Rep. Ron Estes described his intern as a dedicated individual with a strong commitment to public service. He highlighted the young man’s kindness and patriotism in remarks after the tragedy.

Attorney General Pam Bondi also commented on the arrests, stating the suspects would face "severe justice" if convicted. She added that she hoped the case’s progress would provide a measure of comfort to the victim’s family.

Background of the Shooting

The deadly shooting occurred on June 30 in a neighborhood near downtown Washington. Alongside Tarpinian-Jachym, a woman and a 16-year-old boy were also struck by gunfire but survived their injuries.

Authorities have not publicly disclosed a motive for the shooting. The case remains under active investigation as police examine potential connections among the suspects and their intended target.

The release of the mugshots and announcement of the reward mark the latest efforts by investigators to secure the final suspect and provide closure in a case that has drawn national attention.