DC Police Seek Third Suspect in Tragic Killing of Capitol Hill Intern
The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) of Washington, D.C. is intensifying its search for 18-year-old Naqwan Antonio Lucas from Granby, Massachusetts, offering an unprecedented $50,000 reward for information leading to his arrest. Lucas is wanted on a D.C. Superior Court arrest warrant for premeditated first-degree murder while armed in connection with the shooting death of a young Capitol Hill intern. This manhunt follows the Friday arrests of two 17-year-old suspects, Kelvin Thomas of Southeast D.C. and Jailen Lucas of Northwest D.C., who have both been charged as adults with the same offense. U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro noted that both teenagers already had violent criminal histories in family court, highlighting concerns about repeat juvenile offenders in the district.
The victim at the center of this tragedy was 21-year-old Matthew Tarpinian-Jachym, a University of Massachusetts Amherst student who was interning for Representative Ron Estes, a Republican from Kansas. Tarpinian-Jachym was fatally shot on June 30 in a location just one mile from the White House, a stark reminder of how violence can touch even those working in the heart of American democracy. The shooting also injured an adult woman and a 16-year-old boy, according to police reports. The young intern’s death sent shockwaves through Congress, prompting the House to honor him with a moment of silence in July. Representative Estes eulogized him as a “dedicated and thoughtful and kind person who loved our country,” underscoring the personal loss felt by those who knew him.
The relationship between Naqwan Lucas and the already-arrested Jailen Lucas remains unclear, as authorities have not confirmed if they are related despite sharing the same last name. Their different cities of residence – Granby, Massachusetts for Naqwan and Northwest D.C. for Jailen – provide no clear indication of a familial connection. Additionally, officials have not disclosed whether Naqwan Lucas has a prior criminal record, unlike the two teenagers already in custody. This information gap adds another layer of complexity to an already challenging investigation that has garnered national attention due to both its proximity to centers of political power and the victim’s connection to Congress.
The substantial reward being offered for information leading to Naqwan Lucas’s capture reflects the high priority authorities have placed on this case. While the MPD typically offers up to $25,000 for information leading to arrest and conviction in homicide cases, this situation has prompted additional contributions from federal agencies. The FBI’s Washington Field Office has added $15,000 to the reward pool, and the U.S. Marshals Service has contributed another $10,000, bringing the potential reward to a remarkable $50,000. This coordinated federal and local effort demonstrates the seriousness with which law enforcement is approaching this case and their determination to bring all suspects to justice.
The murder of Tarpinian-Jachym has also reignited discussions about violent crime in the nation’s capital. Attorney General Pam Bondi has promised that if convicted, the suspects “will face severe justice,” adding that she hopes the arrests “provide some measure of solace to his family.” This case has been particularly painful for the victim’s family, with reports indicating that the mother of the slain intern has criticized the D.C. Council for treating violent crime like a “joke” amid what she perceives as an inadequate response to her son’s killing. The criticism points to broader tensions surrounding crime policies in Washington, D.C., and concerns about whether enough is being done to address violent offenses, particularly those committed by young people with prior records.
Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and not to attempt apprehending Naqwan Lucas themselves, instead directing anyone with information to contact the police at 202-727-9099 or text tips to the department’s TEXT TIP LINE at 50411. This emphasis on public safety while soliciting community assistance illustrates the delicate balance law enforcement must strike when pursuing potentially dangerous suspects. As the investigation continues, the case serves as a somber reminder of how violence can tragically cut short promising young lives and the ripple effects such incidents have on families, communities, and even national institutions. For Matthew Tarpinian-Jachym’s loved ones and colleagues, justice now hinges on finding the remaining suspect and bringing closure to a case that has touched many beyond the immediate circle of those who knew him.
