Police said a “small child” was among the victims and that the suspect was an adult woman.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. — Four people were found stabbed to death, including a small child, inside a Woodbridge home on Saturday, the Prince William County Police Department said.
Authorities say a 2-year-old child was among the victims, and they believe the child’s mother is responsible.
Prince William County Police say a woman in her 30s stabbed her mother-in-law, her husband and the couple’s 2-year-old son before turning the knife on herself.
The suspect’s father-in-law was home at the time but in a different area of the house, according to police. Investigators say he later discovered the bodies and called 911.
Neighbors in the community near Vale Court and Burr Lane said they were stunned by the violence and struggling to process what happened.
“It’s a child, for God’s sake. It’s a pure soul,” one neighbor said.
Another neighbor described the situation as “very unfortunate,” adding, “It’s awful.”
Police spokesperson Jonathan Perok said the scene was especially traumatic because it involved a young child.
“Any homicide is traumatic, but the fact that this involves a child makes it even more difficult,” Perok said.
Joshua Dionne, who lives across the street, said he had routine, friendly interactions with the family and never noticed signs of trouble.
“We interacted in the mornings — simple waves,” Dionne said. “No loud noises, no disturbances, no calls with the cops prior to this.”
Dionne said the tragedy was particularly painful given his own family’s circumstances.
“We are going through IVF,” he said. “So it’s upsetting that someone had a gift and then decided to make those decisions.”
Police say they are still working to determine a motive. They are also encouraging anyone struggling with mental illness to seek help and treatment.
All four victims will be taken to the medical examiner’s office for further evaluation.