Gun Found in Stolen D.C. Car Linked to Intern Killing

A handgun linked to the death of 21-year-old congressional intern Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was recovered on Oct. 21 in Washington, D.C., marking the first physical evidence from the crime scene to be found by investigators.

U.S. Park Police pulled over a stolen Honda on North Street in the Northwest neighborhood that day. Officers searched the vehicle and discovered two 9 mm pistols. Both weapons contained extended magazines and giggle switches, a modification that converts a semi-automatic pistol into an automatic firing weapon.

Prior to this discovery, detectives had no weapons from the scene despite making three arrests. Prosecutors sent a letter to defense attorneys confirming they will perform DNA testing on the firearm, magazines, and bullets to determine if they match any of the suspects charged with murder.

The original shooting occurred in June 2025. Three gunmen fired 79 rounds at Tarpinian-Jachym. Two shooters used rifles, and one used a 9 mm pistol. The recovered 9 mm pistol is the first of those weapons to be located.

Tamarra Tarpinain-Jachym, the victim's mother, stated in court that the news was overwhelming. She noted that her son's birthday was Oct. 28, three days after the Oct. 21 discovery, and three days after the date of his death, which occurred on Oct. 28 of the previous year.

D.C. Police have charged Kelvin Thomas Jr. and brothers Naqwan and Jailen Lucas with first degree murder. The three individuals arrested in connection with the stolen car on Oct. 21 are ages 18, 17, and 16. One is being charged as an adult, while the other two are facing charges as juveniles.

The U.S. attorney's office confirmed the recovered weapon is part of an active investigation but declined to provide further details. Tarpinain-Jachym said at least two illegal guns are now off the street. Only one attorney for the defendants responded to media inquiries, offering no comment.