<p><strong>EXCLUSIVE —</strong> A Virginia mental hospital escapee, Abdulloi Toshpulodzoda, attributed his past murder charge to delusions influenced by his religious beliefs, claiming he acted without understanding his actions, according to records obtained by the Washington Examiner.</p>
<p>Virginia officials stated in 2025 that Toshpulodzoda, an illegal immigrant, showed progress in addressing his “persecutory paranoia and hyper-religious thoughts” since the stabbing death of his landlord in 2019. Toshpulodzoda was declared legally insane in the killing and gained attention for self-deporting to Turkey in July, despite a judge ordering him to remain under hospital supervision. He was arrested in December 2019 after police found his landlord's body in their Vienna home, where he reportedly admitted to the crime while covered in blood.</p>
<p>The health records submitted to the court indicate that the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Development Services (DBHDS) deemed Toshpulodzoda safe for the community, allowing him unsupervised 48-hour release privileges. This led to his departure from the U.S. after expressing concerns about an immigration detainment order. Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger announced an investigation in August regarding the DBHDS's decision to release him.</p>
<h2>‘Shall not be released from custody’</h2>
<p>Toshpulodzoda, originally from Tajikistan, reported mental health struggles beginning in 2017, which included delusions of being God’s servant and paranoia towards family and government. His family sought help from a Muslim imam, which temporarily alleviated his symptoms. Prior to the murder, he experienced severe delusions, believing people were conspiring against him.</p>
<p>According to court documents, Toshpulodzoda killed his landlord after misinterpreting a question about his brother as a threat. He stabbed the landlord multiple times, later realizing the severity of his actions only when he was covered in blood.</p>
<p>In May 2020, a grand jury indicted Toshpulodzoda for murder, but a court accepted his insanity plea in October 2022, committing him to annual reviews regarding his potential release. The court has consistently ruled against the DBHDS's claims that he was fit for conditional release.</p>
<p>In late 2025, the state reported that Toshpulodzoda had shown signs of being a safe member of society. A doctor’s summary indicated he was well-groomed, oriented, and described his mood as “very good.” He identified his faith as a source of comfort during stressful times.</p>
<h2>Fleeing from ICE</h2>
<p>Toshpulodzoda expressed concerns about an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainer, which was causing him significant worry. He had sought legal assistance regarding his immigration status. By the time the DBHDS raised concerns in court, he had already obtained a passport.</p>
<p>Fairfax County prosecutor Steve Descano approved Toshpulodzoda's request in May 2024 to obtain a passport from the Tajikistan Embassy, stating it was for documentary purposes. Descano attributed Toshpulodzoda's escape to the administration's handling of the case.</p>
<p>Spanberger’s office did not respond to requests for comment. Descano has faced criticism for accepting insanity pleas from Toshpulodzoda and other defendants based on the prosecution's chosen health experts. The Trump administration did not oppose Toshpulodzoda’s departure, classifying him as an illegal immigrant removed from the country.</p>
<p>Toshpulodzoda entered the United States legally on December 15, 2009, but lost his status due to violations of his admission terms, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson.</p>