Old Town Alexandria Stabbing: Man Charged In Woman's Murder (Updates)

(Updated 1:20 p.m. Friday) ALEXANDRIA, VA—The suspect in Thursday's Old Town Alexandria stabbing has been charged. Two victims and the suspect were hospitalized in the stabbing in Old Town Alexandria at an apartment in the 900 block of North Henry Street. Witnesses say the suspect and victims knew each other.

Around 1:27 a.m., officers arrived on scene to find two victims that were stabbed. Dasheria Barksdale, a 30, of Alexandria, was transported to the hospital where she died from her injuries. A male victim, 27, also of Alexandria, remains in critical condition with life-threatening injuries.

Dispatch reports indicated the scene was secure as of 1:42 a.m. and the suspect was apprehended. The suspect, Melvin Williams, 23, of Alexandria, was taken into custody and to the hospital after turning the knife on himself. On Friday, he was charged with first degree murder and is being held without bond. Police said charges were dependent on when the suspect became conscious.

Shakiylah Edwards, a friend and witness, told NBC Washington Barksdale was the suspect's girlfriend and was trying to leave him. She tried, but he came back to her apartment with a knife and stabbed her. Edwards and her brother, the other victim, tried to stop him to avail. "I was trying to pull her out, but every time I pulled, he would stab. So, I just had to leave her," Edwards told the news station.

Police have not confirmed a potential motive. This marks the fourth homicide in the city this year. Police continue to investigate. Anyone with information should call Detective Loren King at 703.746.6689.

Here's where the incident happened.

In other news, police are investigating shots fired in the 100 blk of S. Bragg Street in the West End. Police say no one appears to be injured.

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