In a grim development from northern Virginia, a woman stands accused of the brutal murder of her own mother. Helena Little, aged 31, faces charges of second-degree murder following the death of her 79-year-old mother, Norma Little. Authorities have taken Helena into custody at the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center, according to an announcement by the Fairfax County Police Department.

The unsettling incident came to light on a Tuesday morning around 10 a.m. when a caregiver, who regularly checked on Norma, arrived at the 2300 block of Dulles Station Boulevard in McNair, Virginia. Upon entering the apartment, the caregiver was met with a horrifying scene.

Inside, Norma Little was found with stab wounds to her upper body, including her neck. She lay on the floor beneath an overturned recliner chair, amidst chaos in the apartment. The caregiver immediately contacted the police, who noted a strong odor of cleaning products upon their arrival, as detailed in court documents reviewed by local Fox affiliate WTTG.

As detectives delved into the investigation, an autopsy confirmed that Norma had succumbed to sharp force trauma to the neck. The investigation then turned to identifying the perpetrator behind this tragic act.

In a shocking twist, it is alleged that after the attack, Helena left her mother’s lifeless body and departed with their dog. This case unfolds as the community grapples with the chilling notion of familial betrayal and violence. As the legal process continues, many are left pondering the motives and circumstances that led to such a devastating event.

Investigators learned that in addition to having a caregiver, Norma Little was assisted by her two adult children, especially because she had limited mobility. Officers scoured the area for evidence — and are said to have found the keys to their case through video footage, key fob activity, and witness statements.

Helena Little had allegedly left the apartment with a backpack and the family’s dog and did not return. Police identified her as the suspect in her mother’s death, and she was arrested about 5 miles away in Reston, Virginia.

The defendant is currently being held on no bond.

Fairfax County is located just west of Washington, D.C.