Vermont Father Accused of Killing Wife During Sleepover as Three Children Witness Horrifying Attack

A family sleepover in Burlington, Vermont, ended in tragedy after a 44-year-old man allegedly beat his wife to death while their two young daughters and one of their friends were inside the apartment.

Bal Khadka appeared in court on October 13 and pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder in the death of his wife, Lila Darjee Khadka. He also faces three counts of cruelty to a child. A judge ordered him held without bail as the case proceeds.

Police responded to the couple’s apartment on South Champlain Street shortly before 6 a.m. on October 10 after receiving emergency calls about a disturbance. Officers found Lila unresponsive in bed with severe head injuries. She was taken to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where she died on Sunday evening.

According to court documents, the couple’s daughters, ages 3 and 10, were home at the time, along with a 10-year-old friend who had stayed overnight. Investigators allege that Khadka attacked his wife with a large flashlight after accusing her of infidelity.

The court documents describe a desperate attempt to get help. The two older children reportedly escaped through a window and alerted others outside the building. One child also recorded audio on a cellphone during the incident.

Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George described the recording as deeply disturbing and said the presence of three children during the alleged attack was an aggravating factor in the case.

Investigators are also examining the family’s history of domestic violence. Court records show that Khadka had prior convictions, including for violating an abuse prevention order. At least one earlier domestic assault case was dismissed after Lila chose not to participate in the prosecution, according to the state’s attorney.

Officials have emphasized that such cases can be difficult to prosecute and that victims may face complicated emotional, financial and family pressures when deciding whether to testify.

The children are now staying with relatives, authorities said. Their immediate safety has been addressed, but the emotional impact of what they allegedly witnessed remains a serious concern.

Khadka remains in custody without bail. His next court hearing is scheduled for October 26 as prosecutors continue preparing their case.

The tragedy has renewed attention on the challenges of identifying and preventing domestic violence before it becomes fatal. For Lila’s family, the court proceedings are now unfolding alongside the painful task of grieving a devastating loss.

Source: PEOPLE

Additional sources: VTDigger and WCAX