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5 Shocking Facts About The Eric Tarpinian-Jachym Murder Case Involving Jalen Lucas And Kelvin Thomas Jr.

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The case of Jalen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr. is one of the most high-profile and tragic incidents of D.C. violence in recent memory, centering on the brutal shooting death of a young congressional intern. As of today, December 22, 2025, both Lucas and Thomas Jr., along with a third suspect, are facing severe charges, including first-degree murder while armed, in connection with the drive-by shooting that shocked the nation's capital. This article provides the most current and essential details of the case, the individuals involved, and the shocking developments that have unfolded in the Washington, D.C. Superior Court. The two teenagers, both 17 at the time of their arrest, were charged as adults for the June 30, 2025, homicide of 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a promising student from UMass Amherst interning on Capitol Hill. The investigation, which spanned two months and involved the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) and the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force, brought forth a series of arrests and a clear, yet chilling, narrative of a random act of violence.

The Individuals and the Charges: Jalen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr.

The central figures in this high-profile D.C. murder case are the two original suspects, Jalen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr., who were arrested on September 5, 2025. Their immediate charging as adults, despite being juveniles, underscored the severity of the crime and the determination of the U.S. Attorney's office to seek maximum accountability.

Jalen Lucas (17 at time of arrest)

  • Age: 17 (Juvenile charged as adult)
  • Residence: Washington, D.C.
  • Primary Charge: First-degree murder while armed.
  • Relation to Third Suspect: Brother of Naqwan Antonio Lucas.
  • Arrest Date: September 5, 2025.

Kelvin Thomas Jr. (17 at time of arrest)

  • Age: 17 (Juvenile charged as adult)
  • Residence: Washington, D.C.
  • Primary Charge: First-degree murder while armed.
  • Arrest Date: September 5, 2025.

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym (The Victim)

  • Age: 21
  • Hometown: Massachusetts
  • Affiliation: Student at UMass Amherst; Congressional intern for Congressman Ron Estes.
  • Date of Death: June 30, 2025.
  • Circumstances: Killed in a drive-by shooting in Northwest D.C.

The 5 Most Shocking Details of the Congressional Intern Murder

The murder of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym quickly became a national story, not only due to the victim's connection to Capitol Hill but also because of the brazen nature of the crime and the subsequent revelations about the suspects.

1. The Victim Was a Congressional Intern Killed in a Random Drive-by

Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was a promising young man interning for Kansas Congressman Ron Estes during the Summer 2025 term. On the night of June 30, 2025, he was walking in the 1300 block of 10th Street NW in Washington, D.C., when a vehicle approached and gunfire erupted. The U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, Jeanine Pirro, was forceful in denouncing the D.C. street violence, highlighting that the victim was an innocent bystander who was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. This random act of violence against a young professional in the heart of the capital sent shockwaves through the political community and local residents alike.

2. Both Jalen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr. Were Charged as Adults

Despite both suspects being 17 years old at the time of their arrest, the severity of the charges—first-degree murder while armed—allowed prosecutors to charge them as adults in D.C. Superior Court. This decision is a significant legal step, meaning they face the full consequences of the adult criminal justice system, including potentially lengthy prison sentences. The charging of juveniles as adults often sparks public debate, but in this case, it reflected the gravity of the crime: a fatal, unprovoked drive-by shooting.

3. A Third Suspect, Jalen’s Brother, Was Later Arrested

The investigation did not stop with the September 5, 2025, arrests of Jalen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr. A third suspect, Jalen's 18-year-old brother, Naqwan Antonio Lucas, was subsequently identified and arrested in late October 2025. Naqwan Antonio Lucas was also charged in the 16-count indictment for the murder of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym. Furthermore, authorities revealed that Naqwan Lucas was a suspect in a separate homicide investigation, underscoring a broader pattern of violence connected to the group. The involvement of three individuals, including two brothers, has added another layer of complexity to the case.

4. The Case is Currently Moving Through the Indictment Phase

As of the latest court updates in late 2025, the case against Jalen Lucas, Kelvin Thomas Jr., and Naqwan Antonio Lucas is proceeding through the D.C. court system. The trio has appeared before a judge, and the prosecution was granted more time to file the formal indictment charges. The defendants’ lawyers have aggressively questioned the lead detective about apparent inconsistencies in the investigation, indicating a potentially fierce legal battle ahead as the case moves toward a trial date. The status hearings are critical steps in the process, determining the exact counts and evidence that will be presented to a grand jury.

5. Charges Include Multiple Counts Beyond Homicide

While the most serious charge is first-degree murder while armed, the suspects are reportedly facing a multi-count indictment. This typically includes additional charges such as assault with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy, and various firearms offenses. The "while armed" designation is a crucial legal component in D.C. law, as it carries a mandatory minimum sentence and significantly increases the potential prison time upon conviction. The comprehensive nature of the charges reflects the prosecution's intent to hold all three defendants accountable for every aspect of the violent incident that led to Eric Tarpinian-Jachym's death.

The Broader Context of D.C. Street Violence

The tragic events surrounding Jalen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr. have reignited intense public scrutiny over the issue of street violence and juvenile crime in the District of Columbia. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro used the news conference announcing the arrests to forcefully denounce the city's crime rates, arguing that the death of the congressional intern was a direct consequence of a failure to address violent crime. The fact that two of the suspects were juveniles charged as adults, and the third was an 18-year-old allegedly involved in another homicide, highlights the complex challenges facing D.C. law enforcement and community leaders. The case serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of gun violence, taking the life of a promising young man who was simply pursuing his career aspirations in the nation's capital. As the trial progresses in 2026, the case of Jalen Lucas, Kelvin Thomas Jr., and Naqwan Antonio Lucas will continue to be closely watched by the public, legal experts, and advocates for both criminal justice reform and victims' rights.
5 Shocking Facts About the Eric Tarpinian-Jachym Murder Case Involving Jalen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr.
jalen lucas and kelvin thomas jr.
jalen lucas and kelvin thomas jr.

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