Overview
- Helena Little, 31, was arrested Thursday in Reston and charged with second-degree murder in the death of her mother, Norma Little, 79.
- A caretaker found Norma Little unresponsive with stab wounds Tuesday at the McNair apartment on the 2300 block of Dulles Station Boulevard.
- An autopsy determined the cause of death was homicide by sharp-force trauma to the neck, according to court documents.
- Responding officers reported a strong odor of cleaning products, an apartment in disarray, and the victim on the floor under an overturned recliner.
- Court records cite surveillance, witness accounts, and key‑fob data showing Helena leaving with a backpack and the family dog and not returning, and a Jan. 5 court appearance is scheduled.