McLean Double Murder: Woman Charged With Killing Mom, Sister

MCLEAN, VA—Fairfax County Police have made an arrest in the double murder of a mother and daughter last year in McLean staged to look like a murder-suicide. Megan Hargan, 35, who was the daughter and sister of the victims, was arrested near her home in Monongalia County, West Virginia Friday.

A grand jury from multiple jurisdictions indicated Megan Hargan Thursday for two counts of first degree murder and two counts of using a firearm in committing a felony.

On July 14, 2017, police responded to a call that someone might have been killed in the 6700 block of Dean Drive. Upon entering the home, officers discovered the bodies of Helen Hargan, 23, and her mother Pamela Hargan, 63. Both had been shot.

Detectives originally believed it was a murder-suicide carried out by the daughter. But a later investigation development suggested the double murder may have been staged to look like a murder-suicide. Police did not provide a timeline for when they determined the crime scene was staged.

Detectives interviewed Megan Hargan the same day police found the bodies and a few days afterward. She reportedly tried to fraudulently take money out of her mother's bank account on the day of the murders and the day before.

Police did not detail a possible motive but labeled the incident as domestic violence.

"This is a tragedy, domestic violence at its worst," said Major Ed O’Carroll, commander of the Major Crimes Bureau, at a press conference Friday. "Our sincere condolences to the family and friends of Helen and Pamela. Know that justice always leads us to the truth, and today the criminal justice process on this case continues."

Image via Fairfax County Police