Manhunt Alert: MPD Publishes Photos of Murder Suspect in Intern Case

In a dramatic escalation of one of Washington, D.C.’s most closely watched homicide investigations this year, the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) has released fresh photographs of the third suspect wanted in the fatal shooting of a congressional intern. The public appeal is part of a broader manhunt effort as authorities intensify their search. The case has drawn intense media scrutiny and public concern about safety in the nation’s capital.

The Incident: Intern Fatally Shot in June

On the evening of June 30, 2025, officers from MPD’s Third District responded to reports of gunfire in the 1200 block of 7th Street NW. The call came in around 10:28 p.m., prompting first responders to arrive at the scene to find multiple victims suffering gunshot wounds. 

Among those wounded were:

• A 21-year-old male

• An adult female

• A 16-year-old male

The most critically injured was the adult male, who was later identified as Eric Tarpinian-Jachym. He succumbed to his injuries on July 1, 2025, despite lifesaving efforts. The other two victims survived. 

Eric was serving as an intern for a member of the U.S. House of Representatives—an assignment that brought national attention to the crime and underscored concerns about security for interns and public servants in Washington. 

Police say that several people exited a vehicle at the shooting scene and began firing into a group of individuals. Critically, investigators maintain that Eric was not the intended target of the attack. The motive remains under investigation.

Arrests Made — But One Suspect Remains at Large

By early September 2025, authorities had arrested two suspects:

• Kelvin Thomas Jr., age 17 (from Southeast, D.C.)

• Jailen Lucas, age 17 (from Northwest, D.C.)

Both were charged as adults with First Degree Murder while Armed (Premeditated) under the District of Columbia Superior Court system. 

Yet a third suspect remains at large: 18-year-old Naqwan Antonio Lucas. He is currently subject to a DC Superior Court arrest warrant on the same charge: first-degree murder while armed and premeditated. 

In a significant development, MPD has now released additional images and surveillance-style photos of Naqwan Lucas to the public in hopes of generating new leads and tips. 

The New Photos and Public Appeal

The newly published images illustrate multiple angles—sometimes appearing to be from surveillance cameras—captured in public areas. These photos are intended to help the general public recognize Lucas and assist law enforcement in locating him. 

MPD has urged anyone who has knowledge of his whereabouts not to approach him, but rather to immediately contact police at (202) 727-9099, or submit an anonymous tip via the MPD Text Tip Line at 50411. 

To encourage community cooperation, a reward has been announced. MPD is offering $25,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case; the FBI’s Washington Field Office has added $15,000, and the U.S. Marshals Service has contributed $10,000—bringing the total possible reward to $50,000. 

Authorities also thanked community members who have already come forward with tips, and credited their interagency partners—like the FBI and U.S. Marshals—for their ongoing support. 

Context: Why This Case Has Struck a Nerve

This is not just a tragic homicide; it has become a symbolic moment in public safety, especially because:

• The victim was a young intern, representing the next generation of public servants and civic leadership.

• The shooting took place in Northwest D.C., relatively close to prominent federal buildings and public areas, raising broader fears about gun violence in the capital.

• The notion that the victim was not the intended target underscores the often random and indiscriminate nature of gun violence—a reality that unnerves communities everywhere.

• The manhunt and public appeals reflect both urgency and concern about the ability of criminal actors to evade capture in an urban setting.

Public sentiment has been volatile. In local media coverage, Tarpinian-Jachym’s mother, Tamara Jachym, has expressed frustration, pain, and a fierce demand for justice. She has publicly called on the suspect to turn himself in, and criticized lawlessness. Meanwhile, local advocacy groups and neighborhood watchers continue pressing for more proactive street policing, better surveillance systems, and community engagement in crime prevention.

Challenges to the Manhunt

The hunt for Naqwan Lucas faces several inherent obstacles:

1. Urban environment complexity
   In densely populated city settings like Washington, D.C., individuals can vanish into the mass of residents, transit corridors, or mixed-use neighborhoods. Surveillance gaps or blind spots complicate pursuit.

2. Timeliness of release
   The delay between the incident (late June) and the release of additional images in late September may have given the suspect crucial time to relocate, obtain new forms of identity concealment, or alter appearance.

3. Possible assistance from networks
   If Lucas has connections—friends, family, sympathizers willing to provide shelter or concealment—the ease of discreet movement increases.

4. Avoidance of digital trace
   The suspect may attempt to stay off digital grids—avoiding public social media, prepaid phones, or traceable transactions—making it harder to track movement or financial activity.

5. Risk to public tipsters
   People with tips may fear retaliation or retribution if suspected of cooperating with authorities. Ensuring anonymity and protection is key to encouraging cooperation.

6. Inter-jurisdictional movement
   The suspect could cross into neighboring jurisdictions—Maryland or Virginia—requiring coordination across law enforcement agencies.

These challenges are not unique to this case, but they underscore how time, resources, and community involvement are crucial in high-stakes manhunts.

Role of Law Enforcement & Interagency Cooperation

To meet these challenges, MPD is leveraging a multi-pronged strategy:

• Fugitive Task Forces: The Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force (CARFTF) is actively collaborating with MPD in tracking and apprehending suspects. 

• Federal partnerships: The FBI, U.S. Marshals, and local law enforcement are pooling intelligence, resources, and rewards.

• Public engagement & tip lines: The public release of photos and the incentivized reward are aimed at mobilizing citizens to assist.

• Surveillance & forensic review: Authorities are likely reviewing CCTV, traffic cameras, license plate reader data, cellphone metadata, and digital footprints.

• Media outreach: The images are being circulated widely in news outlets to amplify reach and awareness.

• Protective measures: MPD is emphasizing that tip-givers should not approach the suspect themselves, to prevent danger to the public.

The combination of federal and local entities increases the odds of containment or capture, and ensures that jurisdictional boundaries do not become barriers.

Public Safety & Community Implications

This manhunt and the tragedy behind it resonate far beyond Washington. Key public safety lessons emerge:

• Awareness and vigilance: When law enforcement publicizes suspect images, communities must stay alert, but not engage recklessly.

• Crime prevention in public spaces: Areas like metro corridors, late-night streets, or underlit avenues must be equipped with better lighting, cameras, and patrol presence.

• Security for interns and public servants: This case spotlights the sometimes-underappreciated risk interns and low-profile public employees may face, especially in major cities.

• Public trust in policing: Transparency—such as releasing images, frequent updates, and clear appeals—boosts legitimacy and encourages cooperation.

• Support for victims’ families: Beyond seeking justice, communities must ensure grieving families receive emotional, legal, and security support.

• Gun violence and policy debates: High-profile cases like this invariably fuel calls for tighter gun control, policing reforms, and investment in community-based violence interventions.

The Human Toll: Remembering Eric Tarpinian-Jachym

Even in the swirl of manhunt coverage, the life lost at the center of this crisis must not be forgotten. Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was a bright young man from Granby, Massachusetts, pursuing his dreams in Washington, D.C., while serving the public. 

Local coverage details that Eric had overcome challenges, including dyslexia in his schooling years, and had taught himself math and chess via online resources.  He was described by friends and associates as dedicated, kind, and passionate about contributing to government service. 

In Washington, his death prompted congressional acknowledgment: a moment of silence was held in the U.S. House of Representatives in July. Members of Congress expressed sorrow, shock, and concern at how quickly violence intervened in the life of a promising intern. 

For his family and community, the pursuit of his killers is not just a matter of legal closure—it is a moral imperative. The manhunt is a beacon of hope that justice may yet prevail.

What You Can Do: How Citizens Can Help Safely

If you read this and believe you might have information, here are safe and constructive steps:

1. Do not approach the suspect
   The authorities emphasize repeatedly: call MPD or submit a tip. Never attempt to confront or detain the individual yourself. 

2. Use the official tip lines
   • Phone: (202) 727-9099 
   • Text line: 50411 
   • Anonymously, if preferred

3. Provide identifying details
   In your tip, include any known observations:

   • Date, time, location of a possible sighting

   • Clothing, physical features (height, hair, tattoos, etc.)

   • Vehicle descriptions (make, color, license plate partial)

   • Any associations (addresses, hangouts, relatives)

4. Stay alert, but do not panic
   If you’re in or near the region covered by police notices, remain observant of movements or strangers matching descriptions—but prioritize safety.

5. Spread awareness responsibly
   Share official images and texts through social media or community groups—but avoid spreading rumors or unverified sightings, which may mislead or complicate investigations.

6. Support community safety initiatives
   Engage with neighborhood watch programs, advocate for better street lighting and CCTV coverage, and encourage local police-community forums.

7. Offer support to victims’ networks
   Donations, volunteer work, or simply writing messages of solidarity can help families cope with loss and maintain pressure for justice.

Possible Outcomes & What to Watch

As the case unfolds, several possible developments may emerge:

• Capture and arrest
  If Naqwan Lucas is apprehended, the case may advance to trial, and the several lead investigators could yield further evidence about motive, conspirators, and culpability.

• New evidence leading to other suspects
  Tips may reveal additional collaborators or independent actors who may evade initial attention.

• Strengthened surveillance and policing in the area
  In response to public pressure, MPD and D.C. authorities could escalate patrols, expand camera networks, or restrict vehicular access at odd hours.

• Policy proposals on intern security and public safety
  Given the profile of this case, Congress or D.C. council members may propose reforms for intern safety protocols, city-wide violence prevention programs, or legislation on firearms and penalties.

• Media and public scrutiny
  The case is likely to remain under high media visibility; any misstep by investigators or perceived delay may draw criticism. The balance between due process and public pressure will be delicate.

• Community dynamics
  In neighborhoods near the crime site, residents may feel heightened fear or demand more visible presence of police and local accountability.

Risks & Ethical Considerations in Publicizing Suspect Images

Releasing photos and seeking public cooperation is a well-established tactic, but it comes with potential pitfalls and obligations:

• Risk of misidentification
  Members of the public may incorrectly identify innocent persons, leading to false accusations or harassment. Authorities must vet submissions carefully.

• Privacy and presumption of innocence
  Even a wanted suspect has rights under due process. The publication of images must balance public interest with fairness.

• Retaliation danger
  Individuals who tip authorities may fear retaliation from criminal networks or the suspect’s associates—requiring strong protections and anonymity.

• Media overreach
  Media outlets may sensationalize or misrepresent images or sightings, driving confusion. Responsible journalism is crucial.

• Operational security
  If law enforcement reveals too much about their tactics or timelines, it may allow suspects to evade or destroy evidence.

• Public anxiety
  Repeated manhunt updates can stoke fear among the community—so messaging should aim to inform, not terrorize.

MPD and cooperating agencies must navigate these realities carefully, with clear legal oversight and transparent communication.

Final Reflections: The High Stakes of This Manhunt

This case is more than a tragic headline—it is a crucible for public safety, civic responsibility, and justice in the capital. The manhunt for Naqwan Lucas is both urgent and fraught, because every delay, every misstep, and every missed tip potentially extends the pain of the victim’s family and maintains a threat to community safety.

At its core, this is a test of the social compact: citizens, media, and law enforcement must act in concert—with restraint, accountability, and resolve. The public release of images is a critical lever, but it cannot substitute for sustained investigation, cross-jurisdictional cooperation, and trust in institutions.

For residents of D.C., for those who follow public safety issues, and for anyone who dares to believe that the life of an intern should not end so senselessly: now is the moment to watch carefully, think responsibly, and act courageously—without handwringing, but with justice as the aim.