Father Kills Wife and Daughter in Brutal Stabbing Attack

Crazed father used massive curved dagger to murder family members in Virginia home

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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A 54-year-old man named Chhatra Thapa fatally stabbed his wife Binda Thapa, 52, and their 33-year-old daughter Mamta Thapa in a brutal attack inside their Fairfax, Virginia home. Thapa also severely injured his son-in-law before police arrived and shot Thapa dead when he refused to drop the large, blood-soaked knife. Thapa's 1-year-old grandson was found unharmed at the scene.

Why it matters

This horrific incident highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the need for greater mental health resources and support systems to prevent such tragedies. The attack has shaken the local community and raised questions about warning signs that may have been missed prior to the killings.

The details

According to police, the attack occurred just after 5 a.m. on Monday morning. Thapa used a massive curved dagger to stab his wife and daughter multiple times. When police arrived, they found Thapa in the middle of stabbing his son-in-law. Officers opened fire on Thapa after he refused to drop the knife, killing him at the scene. Binda Thapa, 52, and Mamta Thapa, 33, were pronounced dead at the hospital. The son-in-law remains hospitalized in critical condition.

  • The attack occurred just after 5 a.m. on Monday, February 27, 2026.
  • Police were called to the home around 5 a.m. on Monday morning.

The players

Chhatra Thapa

A 54-year-old man who fatally stabbed his wife and daughter in a brutal attack inside their Fairfax, Virginia home.

Binda Thapa

Chhatra Thapa's 52-year-old wife, who was killed in the attack.

Mamta Thapa

Chhatra and Binda Thapa's 33-year-old daughter, who was also killed in the attack.

Chhatra Thapa's son-in-law

The husband of Mamta Thapa, who was severely injured by Chhatra Thapa during the attack.

Chhatra Thapa's 1-year-old grandson

The young child who was found unharmed inside the home during the attack.

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What they’re saying

“To describe this scene as bloody would be an understatement. The damage and the chaos and the carnage that was perpetrated by this man in his 50s on his own family is unimaginable.”

— Kevin Davis, Fairfax County Police Chief

What’s next

Authorities are investigating the motive behind the attack and whether there were any warning signs or history of domestic violence in the family. The community is rallying to support the surviving family members and address the broader issue of domestic violence.

The takeaway

This horrific tragedy underscores the urgent need for greater mental health resources, domestic violence prevention programs, and community-based support systems to identify and intervene in situations of family crisis before they escalate to such devastating violence.