Share this
Lawyer Says Kenyan Accused of Killing a Man in Leesburg, Virginia Believed He was Stabbing the Devil to Save the World
The lawyer of a Kenyan accused of killing a man in Leesburg, Virginia in November 2021 says his client believed he was stabbing the devil in an attempt to save the world.
23-year-old Melvin Wasike of Fairfax County is charged with first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, and breaking and entering while armed with the intent to commit murder.
He is accused of killing 46-year-old Michael Fadely, and stabbing his fiancée at their home in Newton Place, in the Barclay Woods community, south of Leesburg.
During a preliminary hearing on Thursday, the court was shown CCTV footage of Wasike coming to the couple’s home three times the day before Fadely was killed.
Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office deputy told the court that Wasike claimed to be looking for someone at the residence and was ordered to leave the area, and not trespass again, Loudoun Now reported. Fadley declined to press charges against Wasike as long as he never came back, the deputy said.
The following morning, Wasike stormed Fadely’s home via the front door, fatally stabbed him, and wounded his fiancée Laura Munoz with a butcher knife, according to investigators.
On Thursday, the accused’s attorney Robert Whitestone told the judge that his client was schizophrenic, was hearing voices, and believed he was stabbing the devil in an effort to save the world. Whitestone said he is planning an insanity defense for Wasike.
“My client thought he was God and was stabbing the devil and saving the world,” lawyer Whitestone said.
Despite traveling from his home in Fairfax to Leesburg, Wasike had never met or interacted with Fadely, according to testimony in court.
In his ruling, District Court Judge Matthew Snow said there was enough evidence to find probable cause, and sent the case to the grand jury. If he’s indicted, Wasike would face trial in Loudoun County Circuit Court.