Family of UMass Student Murdered in D.C. Calls for Justice as National Guard is Deployed
The mother of Eric Tarpinian-Jachym, a University of Massachusetts student who was tragically murdered in Washington, D.C., expressed hope that the recent deployment of the National Guard would aid in bringing his killer to justice. Tarpinian-Jachym was shot while out for a snack near the White House on June 30, just days before the Fourth of July, in an incident that also left two others injured.
Tamara Tarpinian-Jachym shared her heartache with the Herald, emphasizing her desire for resolution in the investigation. “I am hoping that with the Guard there, it will give [the police] enough time to solve outstanding crimes,” she stated. Following President Trump’s federalization of D.C.’s police department and the activation of 800 National Guard members, she remains hopeful that these efforts will expedite the search for her son’s killer.
The president’s memorandum highlighted a perceived failure of local authorities to maintain public safety, asserting that the National Guard’s presence has significantly improved the streets of D.C. “It looks like Mayberry,” noted Gregg Pemberton, chairman of the D.C. Police Union. He also expressed concern that Eric might still be alive had federal oversight been established earlier.
In light of the ongoing investigation, the Metropolitan Police and FBI have partnered to offer a reward of up to $40,000 for information leading to an arrest. Tarpinian-Jachym reflected on the emotional toll the tragedy has taken on her family, labeling it as trauma and PTSD.
While expressing support for the National Guard’s deployment in crime-ridden cities, she insisted that discussions should include police unions and remain focused on improving public safety. Eric, a promising student in the Isenberg School of Management, will be posthumously honored with his diploma, alongside plans for a fishing derby in his memory.
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