2 Nepali women killed in Virginia; suspect shot dead by police

KATHMANDU: A domestic violence incident involving a Nepali immigrant family left three people dead and one critically injured early Monday morning in Fairfax County, Virginia, U.S. authorities confirmed.

Police say a 50-year-old man attacked members of his own family with a sharp weapon inside an apartment complex in the Mantua area of Fairfax County. His wife and adult daughter later died from their injuries, while his son-in-law remains in critical condition.

According to Fairfax County Police Department Chief Kevin Davis, officers responded to a 911 call reporting a violent assault at an apartment building in Mantua shortly after dawn. A neighbor had alerted emergency services after hearing screams from inside the residence.

Investigators said the suspect’s son-in-law had been outside clearing snow when he heard cries from within the apartment. When he rushed inside, he found his wife lying on the floor with severe injuries and witnessed the suspect attacking his mother-in-law. The suspect then turned the weapon on him.

When officers arrived at the scene, the attacker was still armed. Despite repeated commands to drop the weapon, police say he refused to comply. Officers were forced to open fire to stop the threat. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.

The injured victims were rushed to local hospitals. The suspect’s wife and daughter later died during treatment. The son-in-law remains hospitalized in critical condition.

A one-year-old child who was inside the home at the time of the incident was not harmed. Authorities said the infant has been placed under the care of child protective services while arrangements are being made with relatives.

Police have not officially released the identities of those involved. However, Nepali-language media based in New York identified the suspect as Chhatra Bahadur Thapa, 50. The deceased victims were identified as his wife Binda Thapa, 51, and daughter Mamata Thapa, 31. The injured son-in-law was named as Santosh Kumar Basnet, 35. Their hometown in Nepal has not been publicly confirmed.

The motive behind the attack remains under investigation. Police have not indicated any prior history of domestic violence at the residence. Detectives are continuing to interview family members and neighbors as part of the ongoing inquiry.

Community leaders have expressed shock over the incident, calling it a heartbreaking reminder of how domestic disputes can escalate into irreversible tragedy.

Authorities urged anyone experiencing family conflict or emotional distress to seek help before situations turn violent. The case remains under active investigation.