A 28-year-old Maryland woman remains on the run after allegedly stabbing her 81-year-old grandmother to death and critically injuring her father in a shocking act of family violence that has left a quiet Fort Washington community reeling.
Story Snapshot
- Breante Thomas wanted for murdering grandmother Helen Thomas, 81, and attempting to kill her father
- Police discovered victims after welfare check at Fort Washington home on Sunday afternoon
- Suspect fled in white 2012 Volkswagen Passat with Maryland tags, remains at large
- Police radio suggests mental health crisis may have triggered the violent attack
Deadly Attack Shocks Quiet Neighborhood
Prince George’s County Police responded to a welfare check at 1:50 p.m. on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at a home on Bonhill Drive in Fort Washington. Officers discovered 81-year-old Helen Thomas dead from multiple stab wounds and an adult male family member critically injured. The brutal attack occurred in what neighbors describe as a peaceful residential area where such violence seemed unimaginable.
Granddaughter Named as Primary Suspect
Police identified 28-year-old Breante Thomas, the victim’s granddaughter, as the prime suspect in the deadly assault. Thomas faces charges of first- and second-degree murder for her grandmother’s death and attempted murder for the attack on the male family member, reportedly her father. She fled the scene in a white 2012 Volkswagen Passat bearing Maryland license plate 3FF3906.
Mental Health Crisis Suspected
Police radio traffic suggests Breante Thomas may have been experiencing severe mental health issues at the time of the attack, possibly hearing voices. This tragic case highlights the devastating consequences when mental health crises escalate within families. The attack reportedly occurred after Helen Thomas returned home from church, adding another layer of heartbreak to an already senseless crime.
Community Demands Justice
Fort Washington residents express shock and concern as the manhunt continues. The Thomas family had no prior publicized incidents with law enforcement, making this sudden explosion of violence even more disturbing. Police urge anyone with information about Breante Thomas’s whereabouts to contact authorities immediately, as she remains armed and extremely dangerous to the public.
This case underscores the critical need for early intervention in mental health crises before they escalate to deadly violence. The elderly victim and her family deserved protection, not betrayal from within their own home. As the search intensifies, this tragedy serves as a stark reminder that evil can strike anywhere, even in the most trusted family relationships.
Sources:
Woman wanted in fatal stabbing of grandmother in Fort Washington – Fox 5 DC
Woman found dead in Fort Washington home, homicide investigation underway – Fox 5 DC
