WASHINGTON (DC News Now) – People up and down the East Coast are mourning the loss of a congressional intern who died after a triple shooting in the District this week.
The shooting happened Monday night near the intersection of 7th and M streets. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) officials said two others were hurt and 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym was killed. He was working for a House member from Kansas.
Antonio Maddox Sr. lives near where the shooting took place. He said he was sitting on his porch Monday night, as he does most night,s when an argument started between two men on 7th St. NW.
“One came from that way and one came from that way, and they met right there, and they said, ‘Hey, man. What we gonna do?” Maddox said.
He said both men pulled out guns.
“Then the shooting started in a series,”Maddox said. “One of them got empty, but the shooting kept going.”
Maddox dove out of his wheelchair.
“So, I’m like, ‘Okay, are y’all out of bullets yet so I can get up off this concrete?’” he said
Maddox said the men then left the area.
Tarpainian-Jachym died as a result. The University of Massachusetts-Amherst student was interning in Republican Congressman Ron Estes’ office.
“Our Major Crimes Division Unit detectives are really doing some great work in making sure that we can bring this case to a close,” MPD Chief Pamela Smith said.
Many Northwest DC neighbors are saddened by the news.
“I feel sorry for him and his family,” Tina Collier said. “I send my condolences to them. That’s a tragedy. He’s only 21. He hadn’t even had a chance to live his life.”
Maddox was also saddened by the young intern’s death.
“He just happened to be in the wrong place, at the wrong time. I’m sorry for him and his family,” he said.
Rep. Estes released a statement in response to the deadly shooting.
“I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile. We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas’ 4th District and the country. Please join Susan and me in praying for his family and respecting their privacy during this heartbreaking time.”
U.S. Rep. Ron Estes
DC News Now received a statement from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, remembering Tarpainian-Jachym.
“The university has learned of a student’s death in Washington, D.C. and is in communication with the student’s family. We extend our deepest condolences to all who knew him and will be communicating with the campus shortly to offer support.”
University of Massachusetts-Amherst
As of Thursday afternoon, MPD is still searching for the people responsible for the deadly shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the police.
