Two teenagers have been charged with first-degree murder in connection to the June killing of a congressional intern in Washington, D.C., with federal prosecutors pushing for both suspects to be tried as adults.
At a Glance
- Two suspects, ages 15 and 17, were charged with murder
- Victim was 21-year-old congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym
- Prosecutors intend to try both teens as adults
- Shooting occurred in Northeast DC on June 25
- A third suspect remains at large
Shocking Turn in DC Murder Case
Federal authorities in Washington, D.C. have announced murder charges against two teenagers in the fatal drive-by shooting of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a 21-year-old congressional intern from Massachusetts. The suspects, aged 15 and 17, were arrested and charged with first-degree murder while armed, as well as conspiracy to commit murder.
The incident occurred around 2 a.m. on June 25 in Northeast D.C., where Tarpinian-Jachym was walking with friends when a vehicle approached and opened fire. He was struck multiple times and died from his injuries at the scene. Investigators believe the shooting was part of a retaliatory gang-related conflict, although the victim had no connection to the groups involved.
Read now: DC Teens Charged in Murder of Congressional Intern
Teens to Face Adult Trial
U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro confirmed that prosecutors would seek to try both teens as adults, citing the gravity of the offense and the defendants’ alleged roles in orchestrating the attack. The 17-year-old was taken into custody Thursday morning, while the 15-year-old was arrested later the same day.
Authorities said the pair were part of a planned effort to target rival individuals, and mistakenly identified Tarpinian-Jachym as a threat. A third suspect believed to be involved in the shooting remains at large. Law enforcement has issued a warrant for the unnamed individual’s arrest and is urging the public to provide tips.
Capitol Hill Reacts
The killing of a congressional intern has stunned Capitol Hill and ignited renewed concern over youth gun violence and public safety in the District. Tarpinian-Jachym, a recent college graduate interning with the House Democratic Caucus, was remembered by colleagues as a promising young aide dedicated to public service.
Jeanine Pirro emphasized that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to “pursuing full justice” for the victim and his family. The announcement comes amid increasing scrutiny of juvenile crime in urban areas and mounting calls for reform in how violent youth offenders are prosecuted.
