A tragic and violent incident unfolded in Mantua, Virginia, when 54-year-old Chhatra Thapa fatally stabbed his wife, daughter, and son-in-law with a 10-inch “curved dagger.” The attack was stopped when a responding police officer shot and killed Thapa while he was still assaulting his son-in-law.
Violent Attack and Response
The horrific event occurred early on Monday morning, around 5 a.m., at the Margate Manor apartment complex on Persimmon Drive.
A neighbor who was cleaning snow off his car outside the apartment heard a disturbance coming from inside and then called 911. The son-in-law of the suspect also made a 911 call, reporting the violence before returning to the apartment to investigate.
When the son-in-law entered the apartment, he discovered his wife, Mamta Thapa, already stabbed multiple times and saw Chhatra Thapa stabbing his own wife, Binda Thapa, with a large, curved dagger that resembled a “meat cleaver.” According to police, Thapa then turned the weapon on his son-in-law.
Police Arrive and Take Action
Two Fairfax County police officers were dispatched to the scene and arrived minutes after the 911 calls. Upon entering the apartment, the officers witnessed Chhatra Thapa actively stabbing his son-in-law with the large knife.
One officer gave repeated commands for Thapa to drop the weapon, but he ignored the orders and continued the attack. In response, the officer shot and killed Thapa.
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis described the scene as a “bloodbath” and called the act “unimaginable,” expressing disbelief that anyone could commit such violence against their own family.
Family Victims and the Child’s Safety
Tragically, Mamta Thapa and Binda Thapa were pronounced dead after being transported to a local hospital. The son-in-law, who suffered life-threatening injuries, was also hospitalized.
However, amid the chaos, the 1-year-old child was found physically unharmed. Authorities took the child into protective custody and worked with child protective services to find an appropriate family placement.
Officer’s Actions and Investigation
The officer who shot Chhatra Thapa was a 2 1/2-year veteran of the Fairfax County Police Department. He was placed on restricted duty pending criminal and administrative investigations.
However, Chief Davis praised the officer’s actions, stating that the officer’s quick decision-making and bravery likely saved lives. Body-worn camera footage was reviewed, and Davis confirmed that the officer acted in accordance with expectations.
Ongoing Investigation
The motive behind Chhatra Thapa’s violent actions remains unclear, and the investigation is still ongoing. Authorities are continuing to look into what led to the devastating incident.
