D.C. Police Arrest Teen Suspect in Shattering Murders of Intern and 17-Year-Old
The suspect Naqwan Lucas, 18, accused of the tragic murders of congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym and 17-year-old Zoey Kelley, has been arrested, D.C. courts confirmed. Lucas is scheduled for court appearance on Thursday for his arraignment. Police revealed the initial incident occurred on June 30, killing Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, who interned for Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kan.
A subsequent shooting, on July 4, claimed the life of Zoey Kelley, 17, while also injuring a 16-year-old male and an adult female. The attack, occurring near the Mt. Vernon Square 7th St-Convention Center Metro stop, resulted in the deaths of two, with others harmed. The Metropolitan Police Department charged Lucas with premeditated first-degree murder while armed, linking him to both fatal shootings. This incident is part of a broader context of rising violence in the nation’s capital, making it the 86th homicide this year, according to the victim’s family.
Lucas and his associates, Jailen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr., have been previously implicated in the death of Tarpinian-Jachym. The suspects have records of violent activities under family court scrutiny, raising concerns about their potential recurrence. The mother of Tarpinian-Jachym called for swift arrests, emphasizing the need to protect others from similar tragedies, stating that the individuals responsible will repeat their actions if not held accountable. The GoFundMe campaign described Zoey Kelley as an inspiring young person, leaving behind a family and community in deep mourning.
D.C. Police Chief Pamela Smith highlighted the tragic loss of a young intern who had a promising future, noting the importance of securing justice for his family. The ongoing investigation underlines the city’s challenge in addressing violent crime, as officials and the public demand more urgent action and accountability for the senseless deaths.