Police in Washington, D.C., released mugshots of two 17-year-olds accused in the June killing of a Capitol Hill intern as a manhunt continues for a third suspect who is wanted on a homicide warrant.
Kelvin Thomas Jr. of Southeast D.C. and Jailen Lucas of Northwest D.C. were arrested Friday and charged as adults with premeditated first-degree murder while armed in the June 30 shooting that killed 21-year-old University of Massachusetts Amherst student Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, who was interning for Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kan. Authorities said a woman and a 16-year-old boy were also wounded in the attack, which occurred about a mile from the White House.
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) identified the third suspect as Naqwan Antonio Lucas, 18, of Granby, Massachusetts, who is wanted on a D.C. Superior Court warrant for premeditated first-degree murder while armed. Authorities said it was not immediately clear whether Naqwan Lucas and Jailen Lucas are related, and officials did not confirm whether Naqwan Lucas has a prior criminal record.
The MPD said the standard D.C. reward for information leading to a homicide conviction is $25,000. For information leading to the arrest of Naqwan Lucas, the FBI’s Washington Field Office added $15,000 and the U.S. Marshals Service contributed $10,000, bringing the posted reward to $50,000. Officials urged anyone with information to call police at 202-727-9099 or text tips to 50411 and warned the public not to approach the suspect.
Tarpinian-Jachym, 21, was a student at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and a House intern working for Estes. In July, the House observed a moment of silence for the slain intern. Estes described him as "a dedicated and thoughtful and kind person who loved our country," according to a statement issued after the shooting.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the suspects "will face severe justice" if convicted and added that the development could offer some measure of solace to the victim’s family. Law enforcement officials said the two juveniles were processed and charged as adults because of the nature of the allegations.
Investigators continue to review evidence from the June 30 shooting and to pursue leads related to the whereabouts of Naqwan Lucas. Authorities have not publicly identified a motive for the attack. Police said they also are seeking information about the circumstances that led to the involvement of multiple victims.
The arrests of the two 17-year-olds and the search for a third suspect have drawn attention from lawmakers and community members as federal, local and U.S. Marshals resources have been mobilized to assist the investigation. MPD and federal partners asked anyone with video, eyewitness information or other tips to come forward to help locate the wanted suspect and to aid the ongoing probe.
The investigation remains active and officials said charges may be updated as authorities gather additional evidence and make further inquiries.