Charges Filed in Congressional Intern’s Murder
The parents of the Congressional intern who was tragically killed in Washington, D.C., expressed their heartfelt thanks to local attorneys on Friday following the announcement of murder charges against two teenagers by the Trump administration.
Two 17-year-olds, whose identities remain undisclosed, have been charged as adults for the murder of 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Yachim. The news was covered widely in local media. During an appearance on “The Story with Martha McCallum,” both parents, Tamara and Robert, shared tears of relief as they acknowledged the hard work of law enforcement in the case.
“I want to thank you for all your efforts in D.C.,” Tamara said, clearly emotional. “Even before this, I always respected the work you do. I’m especially grateful to the detectives who have been so dedicated.” She went on to recall the shock of hearing the specifics surrounding Eric’s death, particularly regarding the weapon involved.
“I’m hopeful that this is just a step toward justice for all victims of these senseless crimes. My heart goes out to other families who have experienced similar losses,” she added, her voice trembling.
When prompted, Robert joined in. “Judge Pirro, I truly appreciate your efforts. I feel a strong urge to hug you for Eric,” he stated sincerely.
Judge Pirro turned to the grieving parents and acknowledged their pain, saying, “I share your heartache. This is just the beginning, and we still have a long road ahead to ensure justice is served.”
Pirro also emphasized that the suspects’ previous criminal histories underscored her concerns about the leniency of juvenile crime laws in the area.
At the time of his murder, Eric was a student intern with Kansas Republican Representative Ron Estes and was shot near Mount Vernon Square Metro station on June 30. Reports indicate that he was not the intended target, with Metropolitan Police attributing the incident to a conflict between local gangs.
“The City Council believes it’s essential to protect these young individuals,” Pirro stated. “However, they must also be held accountable.”
The teenagers are facing first-degree murder charges, while authorities continue their search for a third suspect connected to the case.
