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Boston Globe
09-07-2025
- Boston Globe
Officials in Washington D.C. announce increased reward in killing of UMass Amherst senior
According to officials, Tarpinian-Jachym was at the intersection in northwest Washington D.C. when 'multiple suspects' jumped out of a car and began firing at a group of people. Tarpinian-Jachym was not the intended target, police said. A black Acura police believe was used in the shooting was recovered, officials said. Advertisement The 16-year-old 'was kind of engaged as part of the group' involved in the gunfire, Pamela Smith, the District of Columbia's police chief, said last week. Tarpinian-Jachym, a Granby resident, graduated from Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield and was seeking a degree in finance with a minor in political science at UMass Amherst. He began interning in the office of Representative Ron Estes, a Kansas Republican, in June. The Metropolitan Police Department, which covers D.C., offers rewards up to $25,000 for each homicide committed in the city. An additional $15,000 was added Tuesday for information leading to the arrest of the gunman by the FBI's Washington field office. Smith said at a press conference last week that investigators have recovered 'good video footage that is 'a little grainy' and have called in technical experts from the FBI to enhance the image. Advertisement 'We have not physically taken into custody any guns, knives, anything like that, but we do have some video images that may help us along the way.' The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives is examining ballistic evidence, Smith said. She said an object was also found at the scene of the shooting, but would not say what it was. Police have not provided new information since Thursday. Tarpinian-Jachym was remembered by friends and family for his warmth and enthusiasm. In a statement, his family said they were 'devastated by the tragic and senseless loss of our beloved Eric, a 21-year-old young man full of promise, purpose, and heart,' the statement said. 'Eric was an exceptionally bright and kind soul, with a deep love for the outdoors. He found joy and peace in nature — whether hiking through the woods or casting a line into a quiet stream while fishing," the statement said. Clark Burg, who met Tarpinian-Jachym in February at the 'He really cared,' Burg, 19, said. 'He always cheered you up.' Lily Myers, 21, who was also in the fellowship program, said Tarpinian-Jachym was 'charismatic.' 'Eric was just one of the people that stood out in our program,' she said. 'He got along with everybody. He was always really fun to be around.' In 'We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas' 4th District and the country,' Estes said. Advertisement Information from previous Globe articles was used in this report. Ava Berger can be reached at
Boston Globe
03-07-2025
- Boston Globe
‘The brightest future:' Friends remember UMass Amherst senior killed in D.C. shooting
The woman and teenager are expected to survive the attack, police said. Tarpinian-Jachym was taken to a hospital, where he died on Tuesday, authorities said. Police said Tarpinian-Jachym was on the street when a group of people jumped out of a car and opened fire. Advertisement 'The preliminary investigation indicates that multiple suspects exited a vehicle at the intersection of 7th and M Street, Northwest and began firing at a group,' police wrote. 'Detectives believe the decedent was not the intended target of the shooting.' Tarpinian-Jachym, a Granby, Mass., resident, graduated from Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield and was seeking a degree in finance with a minor in political science at UMass Amherst. He began interning in the office of Rep. Ron Estes, a Kansas Republican, in June. 'I still really can't believe it, because of just how vividly I can remember him,' Burg said. 'If there was anyone that I would say had the brightest future that I've ever seen, it was that kid.' The pair met in February at Advertisement 'We were so similar,' Burg said. 'He really cared. He always cheered you up.' The leadership of the Fund for American Studies said in a statement they are heartbroken by Tarpinian-Jachym's death. 'The Fund for American Studies is heartbroken at the tragic and untimely death of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym. Eric was one of a select group of students who participated in the Washington Fellowship held January-April 2025,' the non-profit's leadership said in a statement. 'He was a hardworking intern, a dedicated student and was well thought of by his peers. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.' Burg remembers one night in the spring after a dinner of sushi, Tarpinian-Jachym, who never runs, suggested they run home. Burg queued up the best song for the moment: the Rocky theme song, 'Gonna Fly Now' by Bill Conti. 'The best part was running up a hill with someone I've never seen run in my life, somehow outpace me, to Rocky Balboa music, and then just talk about life and family and and God,' Burg said. Despite their short friendship, Burg knew Tarpinian-Jachym was 'special.' 'It hurts when although I didn't know him for that long, you bond that much and you spend hundreds of hours together, he was the guy I relied on,' Burg said. 'He was the guy that that I spoke to about my problems.' Burg, who is from Florida, said he told Tarpinian-Jachym to go home to his family in Massachusets and 'enjoy' the summer, but Tarpinian-Jachym was 'dedicated.' Advertisement 'He wanted to work so hard and just get ahead in the future,' Burg said. 'It was inspiring.' Now, Burg wishes he had gone home. 'Maybe we would have known each other and our kids for the next 60 or 50 years,' Burg said. The pair had planned for Tarpinian-Jachym to visit Burg in Florida after his internship. Lily Myers, 21, was also in the fellowship program with Burg and Tarpinian-Jachym, and said Tarpinian-Jachym was 'charismatic.' 'Eric was just one of the people that stood out in our program,' she said. 'He got along with everybody. He was always really fun to be around.' Myers also is working in D.C. as an intern at the National Retail Federation, and she said she knew 'how much [Tarpinian-Jachym] wanted to come back and intern in DC this summer.' 'For that to have happened while he was one month into a congressional internship is just horrific,' Myers said. 'Eric was very smart and had a bright future ahead of him, and we expected that to happen.' Myers found out about the violence while leaving her internship, not far from where the shooting happened. She said she's 'shaken up' because the metro stop is on her line, and she briefly considered returning home to North Carolina. 'I tried not to let this horrible incident deter me... but it definitely made me rethink where I go in the city,' Myers said. A vehicle police believe was used in the shooting was recovered, officials said. No arrests have been made, but police have offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to the arrest of Tarpinian-Jachym's killer or killers. Advertisement Metropolitan Police Chief Pamela Smith 'It's such a tragic loss of a young man who's in our city conducting, being a part of something that I think is profound for most young people. Interning at a U.S. House of Representatives office is a big deal,' she told the station. 'We want people to put the guns down. Innocent bystander, a young lady who was also shot in addition to Eric,. Unacceptable in all ways, shape, forms of fashion.' In 'We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas' 4th District and the country,' Estes said. 'Please join Susan and me in praying for his family and respecting their privacy during this heartbreaking time.' A spokesperson for UMass Amherst said university officials were aware of 'a student's death in Washington, D.C. and is in communication with the student's family.' They did not identify Tarpinian-Jachym. 'We extend our deepest condolences to all who knew him and will be communicating with the campus shortly to offer support,' the school said. Representative Richard E. Neal, whose Western Massachusetts district includes Granby, said he was 'heartbroken' by Tarpinian-Jachym's death. As an intern on Capitol Hill, he was 'pursuing his passion for public service,' Neal said in a statement. Advertisement Tarpinian-Jachym's family could not be reached Thursday. Burg, the friend from the fellowship, said Tarpinian-Jachym 'knew what he wanted with his career.' He wanted to work on Capitol Hill, Burg said, and that was exactly what he was doing. 'He would be saying to live your life to the fullest, and do everything,' Burg said. Information from earlier Globe reporting was used in this posting. John R. Ellement of the Globe Staff contributed to this report. Ava Berger can be reached at
Boston Globe
03-07-2025
- Politics
- Boston Globe
UMass Amherst senior interning on Capitol Hill killed in D.C. shooting, authorities say
The shooting occurred at the intersection of 7th and M Street, Northwest. When police got there, Tarpinian-Jachym was unconscious. The woman the the teen were conscious and breathing, Advertisement All three were taken to local hospitals. Tarpinian-Jachym died Tuesday, authorities said. No arrests have been made but investigators have recovered the vehicle the shooters emerged from, police said. Tarpinian-Jachym graduated from Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield and was seeking a degree in finance with a minor in political science at UMass. He joined Representative Estes' office as an intern in June. In 'We are grateful to Eric for his service to Kansas' 4th District and the country,' Estes said. 'Please join Susan and me in praying for his family and respecting their privacy during this heartbreaking time.' Advertisement A spokesperson for UMass Amherst said university officials were aware of 'a student's death in Washington, D.C. and is in communication with the student's family.' They did not identify Tarpinian-Jachym. 'We extend our deepest condolences to all who knew him and will be communicating with the campus shortly to offer support,' the university's statement said. Calls to numbers listed for Tarpinian-Jachym's parents were not answered nor were voicemails returned Wednesday night. Democratic Representative Richard E. Neal, whose Western Massachusetts district includes Granby, said he was 'heartbroken' by the news of Tarpinian-Jachym's death. The Granby native was on Capitol Hill working as an intern and 'pursuing his passion for public service,' Neal said in a statement. 'Eric embodied what it means to be part of a community committed to learning, growth, and civic engagement,' Neal's statement said. 'Any parent will tell you there is no greater pain than the pain of losing as a child,' Neal said. 'As a father, my thoughts and prayers are with Eric's family and loved ones during this difficult time.' This breaking news story will be updated as more information becomes available. Tonya Alanez can be reached at
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Springfield students explore judicial system during Springfield Courthouse tour
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A group of students from Pope Francis Preparatory School got an up-close look at the workings of the justice system during a guided tour of the Roderick Ireland Courthouse. The visit, hosted by the Hampden DA's Office, aimed to educate and inspire young minds by offering a real-world view of courtroom procedures, the legal profession, and the many roles that contribute to the administration of justice. As part of the immersive experience, students visited key areas of the courthouse, including courtrooms, judges' chambers, and probation offices. Throughout the tour, members of the District Attorney's Office provided insight into the legal process, from case preparation to trial, and discussed the broader responsibilities of prosecutors in upholding justice and public safety. 'The next generation of legal professionals will shape the future of justice in our country,' said Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. 'We're proud to be a part of that journey and hope the tour will inspire some of these students to consider a career in law, public service, or advocacy.' During their visit, students had the opportunity to interact with a wide range of courthouse personnel, including judges, victim witness advocates, court officers, and staff from various departments. Each offered perspectives on their roles within the system and how they contribute to the fair and effective operation of the court. The initiative is part of the DA's ongoing commitment to community engagement and education. Through programs like courthouse tours, school presentations, and peer-led outreach, the office works to build awareness and understanding of the justice system among young people. Educators interested in arranging a similar experience for their students are encouraged to contact Community Safety and Outreach Coordinator Gina Anselmo at WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
