Camilla Jessen
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was in Washington for a summer internship and had dreams of public service.
A 21-year-old college student interning on Capitol Hill was shot and killed late Tuesday night in Washington, D.C., in what police believe was a case of mistaken identity.
Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a University of Massachusetts Amherst senior, was struck by gunfire near the Walter E. Washington Convention Center around 10:30 p.m. on July 1, according to WWLP and ABC News.
He later died in the hospital.
Police say Eric was not the intended target.
A 16-year-old boy and an adult woman were also shot and injured in the incident. Both survived.
A life cut short
Eric, originally from Granby, Massachusetts, was spending his summer interning for Kansas Republican Congressman Ron Estes. He was studying finance and political science and had clear ambitions for a future in public service.
Congressman Estes called Eric a bright light.
“I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile,” he said in a statement. “We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas’ 4th District and the country.”
Massachusetts Congressman Richard Neal, who also lectures at UMass, added:
“As a lecturer at UMass, I know firsthand the caliber of students who walk through those doors. Eric embodied what it means to be part of a community committed to learning, growth, and civic engagement.”
Police still searching for suspects
The Metropolitan Police Department confirmed Eric’s identity on Wednesday and said the investigation remains active.
Detectives believe he was likely caught in the crossfire of a targeted attack on someone else.
No arrests have been made, and authorities are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Tips can be submitted by calling (202) 727-9099 or by texting 50411.
