Man Charged in Stabbing of Ex-Wife, Abduction of Children Waives Hearing

Dana Plummer will face a grand jury after waiving his preliminary hearing in the 2024 incident.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 5:23pm

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Dana Plummer, accused of stabbing his ex-wife and stepdaughter and abducting his three children in 2024, has waived his right to a preliminary hearing. The case will now go before a grand jury, which will decide if it will proceed to circuit court.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of domestic violence and the need for stronger protections and support systems for victims and their families. The tragic outcome, including the death of Plummer's youngest child, underscores the urgent importance of addressing these issues.

The details

Plummer is charged with assault, malicious wounding, and abduction stemming from a domestic dispute in August 2024. His ex-wife and stepdaughter were found stabbed at their home, and an Amber Alert was issued for Plummer's children. A police pursuit ended in a crash in Maryland that resulted in the death of Plummer's 16-month-old child.

  • On August 14, 2024, the domestic dispute and alleged crimes occurred.
  • In October 2025, Plummer was ruled competent to stand trial after being sent to a psychiatric hospital.
  • On February 3, 2026, Plummer waived his right to a preliminary hearing.

The players

Dana Plummer

The man accused of stabbing his ex-wife and stepdaughter and abducting his three children in 2024.

Plummer's ex-wife

The victim who was stabbed several times in the 2024 incident.

Plummer's stepdaughter

The other victim who was stabbed several times in the 2024 incident.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights the ongoing challenges of domestic violence and the need for stronger protections and support systems for victims and their families.”

— Macie Allen, Public Information Officer, Virginia Beach Commonwealth's Attorney

What’s next

The case will be presented to a grand jury later this month, which will decide whether it will continue to circuit court.

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the urgent need for improved domestic violence prevention, intervention, and support services to protect victims and their families from such devastating outcomes.