Virginia Man Flees US While on 48-Hour Pass from Mental Health Facility

A man from Virginia, found not guilty by reason of insanity in a 2019 murder case, fled the US to Tajikistan using a one-way flight during an approved 48-hour leave from a state mental health facility. Court documents revealed this escape route.

Abdulloi Toshpulodzoda left the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI) on July 6, using an approved pass. He was expected back two days later, but he never returned. Instead, he boarded a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul from Washington Dulles International Airport, continuing on to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, as stated in court documents.

The Escape:
Toshpulodzoda was required to return by July 8, 2026. Court documents confirmed his failure to do so. He was previously committed to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services in 2022 after being declared not guilty by reason of insanity for killing his landlord, Mohammad Hemmatian.

On June 29, 2026, this Court found that the Acquittee remained mentally ill and in need of inpatient hospitalization, the records indicate.

Virginia Law and Facility Passes:
Despite his mental health status, Virginia law allows certain patients unaccompanied community visits for up to 48 hours. This provision enabled Toshpulodzoda’s exit from the facility. Instead of returning, he traveled to Dulles Airport. Airline records indicate he flew from Dulles to Istanbul, then to Dushanbe.

He had previously been permitted to travel to Washington, D.C., in 2024 with assistance from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office to obtain a passport.

Legal Repercussions:
After his failure to return, the NVMHI placed Toshpulodzoda on escape status, revoked his pass, and issued a facility warrant. Virginia State Police and federal authorities were alerted, and an alert was issued by U.S. Customs and Border Protection should he attempt to re-enter the US.

A bench warrant was subsequently issued for his arrest. The Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney’s office reported that due to the insanity ruling, they could not secure a conviction in trial. They have consistently opposed his release at review hearings, including as recently as June.

If he enters the U.S., he will be arrested and brought to Virginia, the statement from the Attorney’s office added.

The Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute, Turkish Airlines, and other parties involved could not be immediately reached for further comments.