Virginia Man Killed by Police After Stabbing Family in Domestic Rampage
Investigators have detailed a horrific domestic violence incident in which a Virginia man brutally murdered his wife and daughter with a curved dagger and was in the process of stabbing his son-in-law when he was fatally shot by responding police officers.
Details of the Attack
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, Chhatra Thapa, aged 54, launched a violent assault on his family members on Monday morning inside his daughter's apartment located in Mantua. This suburban community is situated approximately 16 miles west of Washington, D.C.
Upon arrival at the scene, police discovered the bodies of Binda Thapa, 52, and Mamta Thapa, 33, in separate areas of the residence. Both victims had sustained multiple stab wounds. Officers also encountered Chhatra Thapa kneeling over his son-in-law, Subash Basnet, repeatedly stabbing him.
Authorities stated that when Chhatra refused commands to drop the knife, an officer shot him, resulting in his death. The weapon used in the attack was described by police as a 10-inch blade resembling a meat cleaver.
Police Response and Investigation
Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis provided harrowing details during a press conference. "To describe this scene as bloody would be an understatement," Davis said. "The damage and the chaos and the carnage that was perpetrated by this man in his fifties on his own family is unimaginable."
Davis explained that Basnet had been outside cleaning snow from his car when he heard commotion inside the apartment. Both Basnet and another individual inside the residence called 911 for emergency assistance.
According to police accounts, Basnet entered the apartment and found his wife, Mamta, already deceased. He then witnessed Chhatra stabbing Binda Thapa, at which point Chhatra turned his attack toward Basnet.
"Our police officer was on the scene and...tried to save the life of a man who was being stabbed to death by his own father-in-law," Davis stated. "So that young police officer who discharged his firearm, and I saw the body-worn camera...did exactly what we expect him to do and quite frankly, exactly what our community expects him to do."
Victims and Survivors
Mamta Thapa, who had been married to Basnet since March 2017, worked as a nurse and frequently shared photos of her husband and child on social media. The couple celebrated their baby's first birthday in September 2025, posting video of a family gathering for the occasion.
Additional videos on Mamta's social media page showed the couple interacting with their son as he crawled around their apartment or played with various toys.
The couple's one-year-old son was present in the apartment during the attack but emerged physically unharmed. The child has been placed in protective custody and is currently staying with a family in coordination with Child Protective Services.
Subash Basnet remains hospitalized in life-threatening condition according to the latest police reports.
Ongoing Investigations
Police have not disclosed a specific motive for the attack beyond classifying it as a "domestic-related" incident. The officer involved in the shooting has served with the police force for two-and-a-half years and will be placed on restricted duty status pending investigation, in accordance with department policy.
The officer's name will be released to the public within ten days. The Major Crimes Bureau is conducting a criminal investigation into the use of force, while the Internal Affairs Bureau is handling a separate administrative investigation that will undergo independent review by the Independent Police Auditor.
Body camera footage from the incident will be released to the public within one month, following established department procedures for such cases.
