A Virginia grandfather stabbed his wife, daughter, and son-in-law with a 10-inch “curved dagger” before a responding police officer shot him dead, authorities say. Chhatra Thapa, 54, fatally stabbed his wife, 52-year-old Binda Thapa, and daughter, 33-year-old Mamta Thapa. The suspect also attacked his son-in-law, who remains hospitalized in “life-threatening condition” as of Wednesday.
Details of the Attack and Police Response
The incident occurred early Monday morning at the family’s apartment in Mantua, Virginia. A neighbor and the son-in-law both called 911 after hearing a disturbance inside the home. When the son-in-law returned to investigate, he found his wife with multiple stab wounds and his father-in-law wielding a 10-inch “curved dagger” resembling a “meat cleaver.” Police arrived within minutes and witnessed Chhatra Thapa continuing to stab his son-in-law. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, Chhatra Thapa refused, prompting the officer to shoot and kill him.
Aftermath and Police Investigation
During the violent attack, the 1-year-old child in the home was unharmed and was placed into protective custody. Mamta Thapa and Binda Thapa were pronounced dead at the hospital, and the son-in-law remains in critical condition. The officer who shot the suspect was placed on restricted duty pending an investigation but was praised by police for his actions. Police Chief Kevin Davis described the scene as “a bloodbath” and expressed disbelief over the actions of Chhatra Thapa.
