McNair, Virginia – Authorities in Fairfax County say a woman stabbed her elderly mother in the neck, left her on the apartment floor, and fled the scene with the family dog. Investigators allege the suspect attempted to conceal the crime before escaping the building. She was later arrested miles away and is now facing serious charges.
Incident Overview
Fairfax County Police have charged 31-year-old Helena Little with second-degree murder in the killing of her mother, 79-year-old Norma Little. According to officials, officers responded after a caregiver arrived at the apartment on the 2300 block of Dulles Station Boulevard around 10 a.m. Tuesday and made a disturbing discovery.
Inside the home, the caregiver found the elderly woman with multiple stab wounds to her upper body, including a fatal wound to the neck. The victim was lying on the floor under an overturned recliner, and the apartment appeared to be in disarray.
Timeline of Events
Police say the caregiver, who routinely checked on the victim due to her limited mobility, immediately called 911 after seeing the scene. Responding officers noted a strong smell of cleaning products, an indication that someone may have attempted to wipe evidence or alter the scene.
Investigators also learned that the victim received regular support from her two adult children and outside caregivers. This information became critical as detectives began piecing together the events leading up to the crime.
Details From Police & Officials
Detectives launched a full investigation, reviewing video surveillance, key fob activity inside the building, and witness statements. According to court documents, evidence pointed to one person: Helena Little.
Police say Helena was captured on video leaving the apartment carrying a backpack and taking the family dog with her. She did not return to check on her mother and reportedly did not contact authorities.
In a sworn statement, detectives wrote:
“The apartment showed signs of a struggle, and the presence of strong cleaning agents raised concerns about the deliberate destruction of evidence.”
An autopsy later confirmed that sharp force trauma to the neck caused the victim’s death.
Key Facts
- Suspect: Helena Little, 31
- Victim: Norma Little, 79
- Charge: Second-degree murder
- Location: 2300 block of Dulles Station Blvd., McNair, VA
- Time of discovery: ~10 a.m. Tuesday
- Evidence: Video footage, key fob activity, witness statements
- Distance of arrest: ~5 miles away in Reston
- Bond: No bond
Witness Accounts & Surrounding Evidence
Neighbors told investigators they saw Helena leaving the building with the dog around the time police estimate the crime occurred. Some also reported hearing noises from the apartment the night before, though no 911 calls were made at the time.
Police later located Helena in Reston, Virginia, roughly five miles from the crime scene, where she was taken into custody without incident. Officers noted she still had the family dog with her when arrested.
Additional Context
Crimes involving family members are particularly challenging for investigators. According to national crime statistics, a significant percentage of homicides involving older adults happen within domestic settings due to caregiving stress, mental health issues, or longstanding conflicts.
Fairfax County officials emphasize that incidents like these are rare but highlight the importance of community awareness, regular welfare checks, and reporting unusual behavior by residents or family members.
Safety & Awareness
Elderly individuals with limited mobility often rely heavily on caregivers and family support. Experts recommend maintaining frequent communication, using safety devices like indoor cameras (with consent), and ensuring that caregivers and relatives can report concerns. If unusual behavior or signs of distress are observed, local authorities advise community members to report them immediately.
Conclusion
The tragic death of Norma Little has left the McNair community stunned as detectives continue reviewing evidence to understand the motive behind the killing. Meanwhile, Helena Little remains held without bond at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center as legal proceedings move forward.
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