Daughter Arrested In Fatal Stabbing Of 79-Year-Old Mother, Police Say

HERNDON, VA — Fairfax County police arrested a 31-year-old Herndon woman on Thursday in connection to the fatal stabbing of her mother in the McNair neighborhood earlier in the week, according to authorities.

Around 10 a.m on Tuesday, officers responded to the 2300 block of Dulles Station Boulevard in the McNair neighborhood to investigate the report of a suspicious death.

"The complainant, a caretaker, reported that she arrived at her patient’s residence and found her unresponsive," according to the incident report. "Officers arrived and located Norma Little, 79, of Herndon with stab wounds to the upper body. She was declared deceased at the scene."

After examining evidence collected at the scene, conducting interviews, and reviewing surveillance video, investigators identified the victim's daughter, Helena Little of Herndon, as a suspect.

At 3 p.m., on Thursday, detectives arrested Helena Little in the 1800 block of Metro Center Drive in Reston, according to police. She was taken to the Fairfax County Adult Detention Center and charged with second degree murder.

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Helena Little was arraigned Friday morning in Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court and a preliminary hearing was set for 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 5, 2026, according to court records. The victim's death was recorded as having taken place on Monday, Nov. 17.

If convicted of second degree murder, Helena Little faces a potential prison sentence of five to 40 years, under the Code of Virginia.

Anyone with information about this homicide to call the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, option 2. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Crime Solvers by phone – 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), and by web – Click HERE. Download the ‘P3 Tips’ App “Fairfax Co Crime Solvers.” Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards. Please leave contact information if you wish for a detective to follow up with you.

Victim specialists from our Major Crimes Bureau’s Victim Services Division have been assigned to ensure the victim’s family is receiving appropriate resources and assistance.