MPD manhunt after suspect linked to two separate deadly shootings
Washington, DC – A manhunt is underway for 18-year-old Naqwan Antonio Lucas after detectives tied him to two separate shootings that left a 21-year-old man and a 17-year-old girl dead, prompting multi‑agency arrests, warrants and a combined $75,000 reward.
On Monday, June 30, at about 10:28 p.m., Third District officers responded to reports of gunfire in the 1200 block of 7th Street NW and found three victims with gunshot wounds; a 21-year-old male, later identified as Eric Tarpinian‑Jachym of Granby, Massachusetts, died of his injuries at a hospital on July 1. CCN 25098367. Two juveniles who were wounded that night survived and were treated at area hospitals.
On Friday, September 5, members of the Capital Area Regional Fugitive Task Force arrested 17‑year‑old Kelvin Thomas of Southeast and 17‑year‑old Jailen Lucas of Northwest; both were charged as adults under Title 16 with first‑degree murder while armed (premeditated) for the June 30 incident. Investigators subsequently identified Naqwan Antonio Lucas as a third suspect and obtained a DC Superior Court arrest warrant charging him with first‑degree murder while armed (premeditated).
While searching for Lucas in the June 30 case, Homicide Branch detectives linked him to a separate homicide on Friday, July 4. At about 5:19 p.m., Fifth District officers responded to a residence in the 1700 block of Benning Road NE and found a juvenile female with an apparent gunshot wound; the victim, identified as 17‑year‑old Zoey Kelley of Southeast, DC, was pronounced dead and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later ruled the death a homicide. CCN 25100553.
Lucas is now wanted pursuant to a DC Superior Court grand jury indictment in the July 4 case and on the arrest warrant in the June 30 case. Police released photographs of Lucas and urged anyone with information to not approach him but to contact authorities immediately. Call (202) 727‑9099 or text tips to MPD’s text tip line at 50411.
The Metropolitan Police Department is offering up to $50,000 for information leading to Lucas’s arrest. The FBI’s Washington Field Office added up to $15,000 and the U.S. Marshals Service added up to $10,000, bringing the total potential reward to $75,000. Investigators continue to work with partner agencies, process evidence and follow leads in both cases.
Key Points
- Detectives identified 18‑year‑old Naqwan Antonio Lucas as a suspect in two separate homicides from June 30 and July 4.
- Two 17‑year‑olds were arrested September 5 and charged as adults in the June 30 shooting; Lucas remains wanted on a grand jury indictment and arrest warrant.
- Authorities offer a combined reward of up to $75,000 and urge anyone with information to call (202) 727‑9099 or text 50411; do not approach the suspect.