Mom Finds Uplifting Note in Daughter's Bible After Alleged Murder by Illegal Immigrant

Cheryl Minter opens her late daughter Stephanie's Bible to discover an inspiring message of faith and positivity.

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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After Cheryl Minter's 41-year-old daughter Stephanie was allegedly stabbed to death at a bus stop in Fairfax, Virginia by an illegal immigrant with a long criminal history, Cheryl found an uplifting message Stephanie had written in the Bible her mother had given her. The message spoke of Stephanie's love for the Lord and how reading the Bible provided her emotional and mental stability.

Why it matters

This tragic case highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policies, criminal justice reform, and the role of faith in coping with senseless violence. Stephanie's message of peace and positivity in the face of such injustice provides a powerful counterpoint to the anger and frustration many feel.

The details

According to reports, 32-year-old Abdul Jalloh, an illegal immigrant from Sierra Leone with over 30 prior arrests, has been charged with Stephanie's murder. Authorities had previously requested that Virginia officials not release Jalloh, but he was able to evade deportation for 14 years before the alleged crime. Cheryl Minter described her daughter as an incredibly positive and outgoing person who frequently drew strength from Bible verses.

  • Stephanie Minter was allegedly killed at a bus stop in Fairfax, Virginia in late February 2026.
  • Cheryl Minter found the uplifting message in her daughter's Bible on Monday, March 11, 2026.

The players

Cheryl Minter

The mother of Stephanie Minter, the 41-year-old woman who was allegedly killed by an illegal immigrant.

Stephanie Minter

Cheryl's 41-year-old daughter who was allegedly stabbed to death at a bus stop in Fairfax, Virginia.

Abdul Jalloh

A 32-year-old illegal immigrant from Sierra Leone who has been charged with Stephanie Minter's murder. He has over 30 prior arrests, including for violent crimes.

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What they’re saying

“She never went anywhere without her smile on her face. I think she smiled when she was angry and to get through it sometimes, but she always had a smile on her face. She always was trying to be the most positive thing she could be, and outgoing. Bible verses she would pull from. It was like she memorized half the Bible. She could always pull them out of thin air, along with the chapter and the verse. She always amazed me with that.”

— Cheryl Minter, Mother of Stephanie Minter (WJLA-TV)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Abdul Jalloh out on bail.

The takeaway

Stephanie Minter's inspiring message of faith and positivity found in her Bible serves as a powerful reminder that even in the face of senseless tragedy, we can find solace and strength in our beliefs. Her story underscores the human toll of failures in the criminal justice and immigration systems, and the importance of prioritizing public safety over political agendas.