Mom Kills 2-Year-Old, Husband and Mother-In-Law in Murder-Suicide

Authorities in Virginia have identified the victims as Kegang Xie, 69, her son Danxiong Gao, 40, and his 2-year-old child, with Gao's wife Ziyi Lu, 35, as the suspected killer who died by suicide.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A tragic incident in Woodbridge, Virginia has left a family of four dead in what authorities are investigating as a murder-suicide. Police say Ziyi Lu, 35, killed her husband Danxiong Gao, 40, their 2-year-old son, and Gao's mother Kegang Xie, 69, before taking her own life. The bodies were discovered over the weekend after Lu's father-in-law called the police to report a stabbing.

Why it matters

This heartbreaking case highlights the devastating impact of domestic violence and the urgent need for greater mental health resources and support systems to prevent such tragedies. The loss of an entire family, including a young child, is a tragic reminder of the importance of recognizing warning signs and intervening early to protect vulnerable individuals.

The details

According to police, all four victims died from "knife-related injuries" and a suspected murder weapon was recovered from the residence. Authorities have not yet released details on a possible motive for the killings. The investigation is still ongoing.

  • The incident occurred on Saturday, February 21, 2026.
  • Police responded to a report of a stabbing around 8 a.m. that morning.

The players

Ziyi Lu

The 35-year-old wife of Danxiong Gao, who police allege killed her husband, son, and mother-in-law before dying by suicide.

Danxiong Gao

The 40-year-old husband of Ziyi Lu and son of Kegang Xie, who was killed by his wife.

Kegang Xie

The 69-year-old mother of Danxiong Gao, who was killed by her daughter-in-law Ziyi Lu.

Lu's father-in-law

The person who discovered the bodies and called the police to report the stabbing.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Compare it to the worst possible nightmare you've ever had. We don't know the exact cause or the motive in this case, but just to see a family destroyed like this is horrific.”

— Peter Newsham, Police Chief (WTOP News)

What’s next

Authorities continue to investigate the incident and have not yet released details on a possible motive. The case has left the community in shock and searching for answers.

The takeaway

This devastating tragedy underscores the critical need for greater awareness, resources, and support systems to address domestic violence and mental health issues before they escalate to such tragic consequences. Community leaders and policymakers must work to strengthen intervention and prevention efforts to protect vulnerable families and prevent such heartbreaking losses in the future.