A man acquitted of murder by reason of insanity has reportedly fled the United States to Tajikistan while on a temporary, unsupervised release from a Virginia mental health facility. Abdullai Toshpulodzoda, 34, was granted a 48-hour pass from the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI) on July 6 and was instructed to return on July 8, but never did.
Toshpulodzoda was charged with second-degree murder in 2019 after being found covered in blood at the scene of his landlord's death. In October 2022, a Fairfax County court found him not guilty by reason of insanity. This plea acknowledges the commission of the crime but asserts the defendant lacked the mental capacity to understand its impact or consequences, leading to commitment in a mental health facility instead of prison.
Following his acquittal, Toshpulodzoda was committed to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and admitted to NVMHI for inpatient treatment. The facility's protocol allows for unsupervised community visits of up to 48 hours. Toshpulodzoda's release on July 6 was authorized, and he was directed to stay at an apartment provided through the Fairfax Permanent Supportive Housing Program.
Investigators determined that Toshpulodzoda boarded an international flight at Washington Dulles International Airport on the evening of July 6, traveling to Istanbul, Turkey, and then onward to Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Court documents indicate that tickets were purchased in Toshpulodzoda's name by another individual.
Just a week prior to his temporary release, the Circuit Court of Fairfax County had ruled on June 29 that Toshpulodzoda remained mentally ill and required inpatient hospitalization. The court's order stated he would remain under its jurisdiction and not be released without further order. However, the court does not have authority over the mental hospital's decision to grant unsupervised community visits.
In 2024, Toshpulodzoda was permitted to obtain a U.S. passport, a move supported by the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office, according to reports. This document facilitated his international travel.
After learning of Toshpulodzoda's departure, NVMHI issued a warrant for his apprehension and return to the facility. U.S. Customs and Border Protection was notified and issued an alert. On August 5, the court filed a request for a nationwide warrant to facilitate Toshpulodzoda's extradition should he attempt to re-enter the United States. The warrant has since been issued.