The Virginia man who was apprehended and charged with first-degree murder in the Nov. 2021 fatal stabbing of Michael Fadely in his Leesburg home believed he was stabbing Satan, in an attempt to save the world, his attorney said.
Melvin Wasike, 23, of Fairfax County, is accused of fatally stabbing 46-year-old Fadely and wounding his girlfriend inside their apartment in the 40800 block of Newton Place, southern Leesburg.
Wasike is facing additional charges, including attempted first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding, and breaking and entering while armed with the intention to commit murder.
During a preliminary hearing on Thursday, a Loudoun County deputy showed the judge a surveillance video in which Wasike is seen coming to the victims’ home three times the day prior to Fadely being murdered, Wtop reported.
The deputy said Wasike claimed to be looking for someone he couldn’t identify at the residence. He was ordered to leave the property and not trespass again, according to the deputy.
On Nov. 14, which was the following day, Wasike, armed with a butcher knife, forced his way into the house and fatally stabbed Fadely and wounded his fiancee.
Wasike’s lawyer, Robert Whitestone, told the judge that his client was suffering from schizophrenia. He said Wasike was hearing voices from God and believed he was stabbing the devil in an effort to save the world.
My client thought he was God and was stabbing the Devil and saving the world,” lawyer Robert Whitestone said.
District Court Judge Matthew Snow said the proof of evidence was enough to find a probable cause and then transferred the case to a grand jury. Wasike is expected to face trial in Loudoun County Circuit Court if he’s indicated.
Attorney Whitestone is considering an insanity defense for his client.
