Murder charge dropped against woman accused of stabbing 79-year-old mother in Fairfax

Fairfax County’s commonwealth’s attorney is under scrutiny after a judge declined to find probable cause in a homicide case, leading to a second-degree murder charge being dropped against 31-year-old Helena Little.

Officials say Little was arrested after police found the victim with stab wounds in her Herndon-area home; she was later released when a judge ruled the evidence insufficient to move forward. The DA’s office said both this and a separate case involving Robert Reed were handled by experienced deputies and that prosecutors remain bound by the facts, available evidence and legal standards. Reed remains in custody on other charges, authorities say.

The segment also notes earlier reporting — including FOIA records — that raised concerns about releasing repeat offenders and about witness cooperation and forensic results. The DA’s office provided a written response to news inquiries; a fuller statement and case information are available at fox5dc.com.