Virginia Daughter Accused of Stabbing 79-Year-Old Mother in the Neck, Leaving Her Under Chair While Fleeing With Family Dog
MCNAIR, VIRGINIA — A 31-year-old woman has been arrested after police say she fatally stabbed her 79-year-old mother inside their northern Virginia apartment, left her under an overturned recliner, and fled the scene with the family dog.
Caregiver Walks Into Disturbing Scene in McNair Apartment
According to Fairfax County Police, officers responded Tuesday around 10 a.m. after a caregiver entered the apartment on Dulles Station Boulevard and immediately found Norma Little unresponsive with multiple stab wounds to her upper body and neck.
The apartment was in disarray, and officers reported an overwhelming smell of cleaning chemicals, raising concerns that someone tried to wipe the scene.
Paramedics pronounced the 79-year-old dead at the scene.
Autopsy Confirms Sharp-Force Trauma as Cause of Death
The medical examiner later determined that Norma died from sharp force injuries to the neck. Detectives began piecing together the timeline by reviewing building footage, key-fob records, and witness statements.
Through that investigation, they learned the victim relied heavily on her adult children for daily care because of limited mobility.
Police Say Daughter Left With Backpack and the Family Dog
Footage and electronic access logs allegedly showed Helena Little, the victim’s daughter, leaving the apartment shortly after the estimated time of the murder. She was seen carrying a backpack — and the family dog.
Detectives said she never returned.
A police affidavit states officers found key evidence supporting that Helena was the only person who entered or exited the apartment in the timeframe of the killing.
She was later arrested five miles away in Reston, where officers located her along with the dog.
Investigators Describe Chaotic Apartment and Possible Clean-Up
Court documents show police found:
- Overturned furniture
- Signs of a struggle
- Heavy chemical odors
- The victim partially pinned under a fallen recliner
Detectives believe the suspect may have attempted to clean or disguise parts of the crime scene before fleeing.
Family and Caregiver Shocked by Brutal Discovery
The caregiver who first entered the home told police she arrived for a routine visit and instead found chaos and blood.
“Her hands were shaking when she called 911. She said the apartment just didn’t look right,” a neighbor told local reporters.
Authorities have not yet shared a possible motive, but said the victim’s adult children were closely involved in her day-to-day care.
Suspect Held Without Bond
Helena Little is charged with second-degree murder and is currently held at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center without bond.
Police say the investigation is ongoing as they continue reviewing footage, witness interviews, and forensic evidence.
Fairfax County sits directly west of Washington, D.C., and is one of the largest suburban communities in the region.
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