Authorities in Mantua, Virginia say a man was shot and killed by police while allegedly stabbing his son-in-law, after fatally stabbing his wife and adult daughter inside their shared apartment on Feb. 23. The incident is under investigation by the Fairfax County Police Department.
Police said the suspect’s wife and daughter were transported to the hospital, where they were pronounced dead. The son-in-law remains in critical condition. A 1-year-old grandchild present in the apartment was not physically harmed and has been placed in the care of child protective services.
Officers Respond to 911 Calls and Confront Suspect
According to Police Chief Kevin Davis, officers responded after receiving two 911 calls reporting a violent disturbance. The son-in-law had reportedly been outside cleaning snow from his car when he heard a commotion inside the residence. Upon returning, he encountered what police described as a “bloodbath,” with the infant in the middle of the scene.
Authorities said the suspect was using a 10-inch curved dagger resembling a meat cleaver. After allegedly stabbing his wife and daughter, he reportedly attacked the son-in-law when he intervened. When officers arrived, they found the suspect actively stabbing the son-in-law and ordered him multiple times to drop the weapon. Police say he refused, and an officer discharged his firearm as the attack was ongoing.
Investigation Ongoing
Police have not released the names of those involved pending notification of next of kin. The suspect and his wife were reportedly in their 50s, while the daughter and son-in-law were in their 30s. Officials said there had been no prior calls for domestic disturbances at the residence.
The investigation remains active, and authorities hope to interview the surviving son-in-law once he is medically able to speak with investigators.
