A Virginia man deemed not guilty by reason of insanity in a 2019 killing fled the U.S. to Tajikistan on a one-way flight while on a 48-hour pass from a state mental health center. Court records indicate Abdulloi Toshpulodzoda left the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI) on July 6 on an authorized pass, but failed to return two days later.
According to reports, Toshpulodzoda traveled to Washington Dulles International Airport and boarded a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, continuing to Dushanbe, Tajikistan. The court records reveal, “The Acquittee failed to return to NVMHI on July 8, 2026, as required.”
Previously, Toshpulodzoda had been confined at the facility after being found not guilty by reason of insanity in the death of his landlord, Mohammad Hemmatian. A judge had determined he remained mentally ill, requiring inpatient treatment.
Virginia law permits mental health facilities the discretion to grant such unaccompanied community visits for up to 48 hours. Despite his ongoing need for hospitalization, NVMHI approved his departure on July 6. Airline records corroborate the travel to Istanbul and Dushanbe.
Toshpulodzoda had earlier received permission to travel to Washington D.C. in 2024 for a passport, facilitated by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. When he failed to return to the facility after his recent pass, NVMHI placed him on escape status, rescinded the pass, and issued a warrant.
Virginia State Police were informed, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection were alerted in case of his return to the U.S. A bench warrant later secured for his arrest reflects efforts by federal and state authorities to apprehend him.
The Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney’s office had resisted his release at annual hearings, including one in June, affirming the necessity of his confinement. They assured that a bench warrant ensures his arrest if he attempts to re-enter the United States.
Efforts to reach the Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney’s office, the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute, and Turkish Airlines for comment were unsuccessful. Sophia Compton, a writer for Fox News Digital, compiled these insights.