In a somber news conference at the United States Attorney’s Office, United States Attorney Jeanine Pirro brought attention to a tragic event that has shaken Washington, D.C. On June 30, 2025, a 21-year-old intern by the name of Eric Tarpinian Jacom lost his life in a horrific and senseless shooting. Eric, who was on a path to a promising future as a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, was in D.C. pursuing his passion for public service. Unfortunately, he became an innocent bystander caught in a violent act that was not aimed at him.
Describing the chaotic scene, Pirro revealed that Eric was shot four times late that night, facing a barrage of 79 rounds on the ground, which had been unleashed from two rifles and a handgun. It was a tragedy that no one could see coming, leaving Eric’s family and friends to struggle with grief and confusion. He is survived by his mother, Tamara, his father, Robert, his sister Angela, and his brother Jeremy. Their heartbreak serves as a stark reminder of how fragile life can be and how unpredictable violence can visit any community at any time, especially in the nation’s capital.
In the wake of this tragedy, Pirro emphasized the commitment of the President of the United States to restore safety and beauty to D.C., rallying federal and local agencies to combat the dangerous individuals who threaten not just quality of life but lives themselves. The message was clear: violence should not be tolerated, and efforts to create a safer environment are paramount.
Addressing the ongoing investigation, Pirro announced that two suspects had been arrested and are now facing serious charges. The two individuals, both 17 years old, are being charged with murder while armed, a serious allegation under D.C. law. One suspect, named Jaylen Lucas, is currently a juvenile but will be charged in adult court. The other suspect, Kelvin Thomas Junior, is in the same boat, facing adult charges as well. What’s particularly troubling is that both of these young men have prior violent records in family court, illustrating a concerning trend in how juvenile offenders are handled in the district.
The United States Attorney made it abundantly clear that the focus needs to be on accountability rather than merely protecting juveniles from facing the consequences of their actions. Pirro articulated a belief that failure to properly address youth crime contributes to a cycle of violence that ultimately harms communities. It’s a call to action that resonates in a time when safety and justice seem increasingly elusive. The persistent struggle against crime in our cities is real, and today’s announcement serves as both a point of sorrow and a glimmer of hope for justice in the face of tragedy. Overall, the gathering symbolized not just a commitment to address Eric’s demise but also a broader promise to safeguard the future of the streets we all walk.
