WASHINGTON, D.C (WWLP) – A UMass Amherst student from Granby was shot and killed in Washington, D.C., where he was working as a congressional intern.
The Metropolitan Police Department stated in a news release that at approximately 10:28 p.m. on Monday, officers were called to the 1200 block of 7th Street Northwest for the sound of gunshots.
When they arrived in the area, police found an unconscious man, a conscious woman, and a conscious 16-year-old boy, all with gunshot wounds. The victims were brought to hospitals in the area. On Tuesday, one victim died due to his injuries. He has been identified as 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jachym of Granby.
Preliminary investigation revealed that multiple suspects exited a vehicle at the 7th and M Street intersection and began firing at a group of people. The suspect vehicle involved in the incident has been recovered, and police believe that Tarpinian-Jachym was not the intended target.
Tarpinian-Jachym was a rising senior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, majoring in finance with a minor in political science. He joined U.S. Congressman Ron Estes’ Washington, D.C., office as an intern this June. Tarpinian-Jachym also attended Pope Francis Preparatory School in Springfield.
“I will remember his kind heart and how he always greeted anyone who entered our office with a cheerful smile,” Estes said in a statement. “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.”
One resident told 22News that although she never lost a loved one to gun violence, she understands the pain after losing someone to addiction. She sends her prayers to Eric’s family.
“What would I say? There’s really nothing to say,” said Siobhan Christy of Granby. “I just pray for them. I don’t know, it’s very hard. I’ve lost children, I know what it’s like.”
Congressman Richard Neal also released the following statement on Tarpinian-Jachym’s passing:
“I was heartbroken to hear of the tragic shooting that took the life of Granby-native Eric Tarpinian-Jachym. A rising senior at UMass Amherst, Eric was in D.C. interning on Capitol Hill, pursuing his passion for public service. 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.”
“Any parent will tell you there is no greater pain than the pain of losing as a child. As a father, my thoughts and prayers are with Eric’s family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
No information has been shared regarding any arrests. 22News will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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 WWLP.com.