Suspect in deadly Beltway stabbing killed his own dog, police say

VSP says Jared Llamado stabbed his own dog during the violent attack, killing the pet.

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. — Police continue to investigate a deadly stabbing that happened after a crash on Interstate 495 last weekend.

According to Virginia State Police, troopers were called to a road rage incident on I-495 southbound at exit 52 in Fairfax County shortly before 1:30 p.m. Sunday. When a trooper arrived, he found a man, later identified as 32-year-old Jared Llamado, carrying a knife. The trooper shot the man in self-defense, VSP says. 

RELATED: Virginia troopers identify victims, suspect in chaotic Beltway stabbing investigation

Llamado was taken to an area hospital for help, where he died. The trooper was not injured and is on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

Four others were stabbed before the trooper shot Llamado, including 39-year-old Michele Adams, who died from her injuries. The other victims have been identified as a 36-year-old female, a 37-year-old female, and a 40-year-old female, all of whom were taken to area hospitals with serious injuries.

VSP says Llamado also stabbed his own dog during the violent attack, killing the pet. 

Investigators say the people Llamado reportedly stabbed were strangers. The attack appears to have happened following a crash on the Beltway but the details regarding that crash have not been released. 

VSP says the stabbings, while violent, are not believed to be terrorism-related, and Llamado remains the sole suspect. 

The State Department confirmed Monday night that Llamado was an employee. The agency said in a statement:

“We are aware of the tragic incident that involved a Foreign Service Officer and occurred on Sunday, March 1, in Fairfax County, Virginia. We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected by this tragedy. As this is an ongoing investigation being led by the Virginia State Police, we refer you to them for details about the incident.”

The deadly stabbing caused traffic on the outer loop of the Beltway to come to a standstill for hours. 

Cameras from the Virginia Department of Transportation captured the massive jam, and emergency crews with flashing lights parked in front of a long line of traffic. A car could even be seen exiting the line of traffic and driving the wrong way to try to escape the massive backup.