Two out of three co-defendants waived their right to independent DNA testing in the murder of a congressional intern before DC Superior Court Judge Danya Dayson on June 5.
Naqwan Lucas, 19, his brother Jailen Lucas, 18, and Kelvin Thomas, 17, are charged with conspiracy, first-degree premeditated murder while armed in a drive-by or random shooting, four counts of assault to kill while armed, three counts of aggravated assault while knowingly armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and nine counts of possession of a firearm during a crime of violence for their alleged involvement in the fatal shooting of 21-year-old Eric Tarpinian-Jackym on June 30, 2025 on the 1200 block of 7th Street, NW. Tarpinian-Jackym sustained a shot to his leg, hand, and two to his torso.
Jailen and Thomas are charged under Title 16, which allows juveniles to be tried as adults for certain serious offenses.
Jailen, represented by Terrence Austin, and Thomas, represented by Kevann Gardner, waived their right under the Innocence Protection Act (IPA) to independently test DNA evidence in their cases.
Naqwan, represented by Megan Allburn and Steven Kiersh, decided to submit an order for evidence to be delivered for testing on June 12.
The defendants confirmed that they were aware that testing could reveal information in their case that may not work in their favor, and a decision to not test on their own may not be able to be changed later on.
Parties are slated to reconvene Aug. 28.
