Accused Murderer’s Escape from U.S. Raises Questions on Mental Health Facility Policies

An accused murderer, Abdulloi Toshpulodzoda, left the United States last month after receiving a 48-hour pass from a Virginia mental health institution. Previously, he had been allowed unsupervised outings, staying in an apartment funded by taxpayers. Toshpulodzoda departed on July 6 with a one-way ticket to Tajikistan, purchased with an American Express card under his name, according to court documents.

Despite accusations of murder, Toshpulodzoda was given the ability to leave Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI) to stay at a Fairfax-supported apartment in Alexandria. The passes lasted up to 48 hours each, as court records indicate.

The Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute in Falls Church, Va., allowed Toshpulodzoda some freedoms, even amidst murder allegations. (Google Maps)

In 2019, Toshpulodzoda was involved in the fatal stabbing of Mohammad Hemmatian in Vienna, Virginia. Police found Toshpulodzoda covered in blood at the scene. He was later deemed not guilty of second-degree murder by reason of insanity and was committed to a state psychiatric facility in 2022. A defense expert and an independent prosecution expert both found him legally insane, which made a trial conviction unlikely, explained Laura Birnbaum from Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office.

In June, a judge concluded that Toshpulodzoda would remain in custody until a further order. However, Virginia law allows some committed to psychiatric facilities, even those with violent crime accusations, temporary day or weekend passes.

The NVMHI’s Internal Forensic Privileging Committee approved Toshpulodzoda for community visits without supervision, authorizing his 48-hour unsupervised outings. This permission enabled multiple visits ahead of his escape.

By May 2024, Toshpulodzoda was allowed to go to the Tajikistan Embassy in Washington, D.C., with an escort to obtain a passport.

The Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Department of Homeland Security have been contacted for comments.

On August 5, a month after Toshpulodzoda fled the U.S., Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office sought an arrest warrant. Abdulloi Toshpulodzoda was found by clinicians to be insane when he killed Mohammad Hemmatian, which meant it was impossible to convict at trial, the office stated. They opposed Toshpulodzoda’s release at annual reviews in June. A bench warrant was issued after his escape, ensuring an arrest if Toshpulodzoda reenters the U.S.