Two Teens Charged with Murder in DC Congressional Intern Slaying

Tragic Shooting of Congressional Intern

• 🎯 A senseless fatal shooting of a 21-year-old intern, Eric Tarpinium Jackham, occurred in Northwest DC on June 30th, 2025.
• 💔 Eric was fatally shot at 10:28 PM, hit four times, with evidence including two rifles, a 9-millimeter weapon, and 79 shell casings found at the scene.
• 🎓 Eric was a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, interning for Representative Ron Estes, pursuing a passion for public service.
• 🕊️ He is described as an innocent bystander caught in a violent act not intended for him, leaving behind his grieving family.

Arrests and Charges

• 🚨 Two individuals, Jaylen Lucas and Kelvin Thomas Jr., both 17 years old, have been arrested and charged as adults.
• ⚖️ They are charged with murder while armed (first-degree murder) under DC code 22-2101.
• 🔍 Authorities are actively seeking a third suspect in connection with the crime.

Juvenile Justice and Accountability

• ⚠️ Both arrested juveniles have prior violent juvenile records in family court.
• 🗣️ The US Attorney expressed frustration with the DC Council's approach to juvenile offenders, stating that these youths need to be made accountable rather than overly protected.
• 🏛️ The prosecution aims to bring the force of the government against those who threaten public safety and quality of life in the nation's capital.