Authorities in Virginia have identified the two women who were fatally stabbed inside their home in Mantua as 33-year-old Mamta Thapa and her 52-year-old mother, Binda Thapa. According to the Fairfax County Police Department, the attack occurred early Monday morning, Feb. 23.
Police said the women were stabbed multiple times by Mamta’s father, 54-year-old Chhatra Thapa, inside the residence where the family lived together. Mamta’s 1-year-old child was inside the home during the incident but was not physically harmed.
Suspect Fatally Shot by Responding Officers
Officers responded to two 911 calls around 5 a.m. and arrived to find Chhatra Thapa actively stabbing his son-in-law. Police said officers repeatedly ordered him to drop the weapon, described as a curved dagger resembling a meat cleaver. When he refused and continued the attack, an officer discharged a firearm, fatally shooting him.
The son-in-law remains hospitalized with life-threatening injuries. Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis stated at a press briefing that officers intervened while “a life was in the process of literally being taken.” Authorities said the incident is being investigated by the department’s Major Crimes Bureau and Internal Affairs Bureau in line with standard procedure for officer-involved shootings.
Investigation Ongoing as Family and Child Receive Support
Police described the incident as domestic-related but have not disclosed a possible motive. Investigators said Mamta’s husband had been outside cleaning snow off his car when he heard a disturbance inside the home. Upon entering, he encountered the violent scene and attempted to intervene before being attacked himself.
Mamta Thapa, who worked as a nurse and digital content creator, frequently shared posts about her life with her husband and young child. Authorities said the child is now being cared for by victim services and child protective services agencies while extended family arrangements are being determined.
