Virginia Man Shot Dead by Police After Allegedly Stabbing Wife and Daughter Inside Mantua Home

MANTUA, VA.  A man in his 50s was fatally shot by police Monday after authorities say he stabbed his wife and daughter to death and critically wounded his son-in-law inside their shared residence.

Officers responding to multiple 911 calls arrived to what Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis described as a “bloodbath,” with a 1-year-old grandchild found inside the apartment during the attack.

Police say the suspect was actively stabbing his son-in-law with a 10-inch curved dagger when officers ordered him to drop the weapon. When he allegedly refused, an officer discharged his firearm, stopping the assault.

The 911 Calls: Chaos Inside the Apartment

The incident unfolded on the afternoon of February 23 after police received two emergency calls reporting a violent disturbance.

According to investigators:

• The son-in-law had been outside cleaning snow off his car.
• He heard a commotion and rushed back inside.
• He encountered what police described as a “bloodbath.”
• The 1-year-old child was inside the apartment during the attack.

Chief Davis said the suspect was “butchering his family” when officers arrived.

The Weapon: 10-Inch Curved Dagger

Police say the suspect was armed with a curved dagger resembling a meat cleaver.

• He allegedly stabbed his wife multiple times.
• His daughter suffered grave stab wounds.
• The son-in-law was attacked while attempting to intervene.

Blood reportedly flowed from the apartment into the hallway as officers approached.

Officer-Involved Shooting

When police entered the apartment, they encountered the suspect actively stabbing the son-in-law.

• Officers issued repeated commands to drop the weapon.
• Police say the suspect refused to comply.
• An officer fired, fatally striking the suspect.

“A life was in the process of literally being taken,” Chief Davis said during a press briefing.

The Victims

Authorities confirmed:

• The suspect’s wife and daughter were transported to the hospital and pronounced dead.
• The son-in-law remains in critical condition.
• The 1-year-old grandchild was physically unharmed.

The child has since been placed in protective care.

Police have not released the names of the individuals pending notification of next of kin.

Investigation Ongoing

At this time:

• No prior domestic disturbance calls had been reported at the residence.
• Police are conducting a standard review of the officer-involved shooting.
• Detectives hope to interview the surviving son-in-law once he recovers.

Fairfax County authorities say the investigation remains active.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or visit thehotline.org. Help is available 24/7 and confidential.