Accused Murderer Flees U.S. After Leaving Mental Health Facility

An accused murderer left the United States recently after being given a 48-hour pass from a Virginia mental health facility. The individual, Abdulloi Toshpulodzoda, had previously been permitted to go on unsupervised visits, staying in a taxpayer-funded apartment during these times.

Toshpulodzoda departed on July 6, taking a one-way flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Tajikistan, with a stopover in Istanbul. Court records indicate the ticket was bought under his name using an American Express card.

Despite facing murder charges, Toshpulodzoda was allowed to leave the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI) for 48-hour periods. During these times, he stayed at an Alexandria apartment provided through the Fairfax Permanent Supportive Housing Program, according to court documents.

“Toshpulodzoda was found not guilty by reason of insanity in the murder of Mohammad Hemmatian and was committed to a state psychiatric facility,” said Laura Birnbaum, Chief of Staff for Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano.

In 2019, Toshpulodzoda fatally stabbed Hemmatian in his Vienna, Virginia, residence. Responding officers found Toshpulodzoda at the scene covered in blood. A defense expert and a separate prosecution expert both found him legally insane, leading to his 2022 commitment to the state psychiatric facility.

Virginia law allows certain committed individuals, including those accused of violent crimes, to receive temporary passes. As a result, NVMHI’s Internal Forensic Privileging Committee approved Toshpulodzoda for unsupervised community visits, permitting departures from the facility for up to 48 hours.

In May 2024, Toshpulodzoda was granted permission to visit the Tajikistan Embassy in Washington, D.C., with an escort to apply for a passport. This led to his eventual escape.

A month after he left the country, Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office sought an arrest warrant on August 5. Prosecutors had opposed his release during review hearings in June and sought immediate enforcement of a bench warrant upon discovering his absence. This warrant ensures that Toshpulodzoda will be detained and extradited if he reenters the United States.