Vermont Father Accused of Killing Wife in Front of Their Young Children During Sleepover — One Child Recorded the Horrifying Sounds

A family sleepover turned into a nightmare when a Vermont mother was allegedly attacked by her own husband inside their apartment, with three children nearby. Lila Darjee Khadka, 44, later died from her injuries, leaving her two young daughters and a 10-year-old friend facing the trauma of what prosecutors described as a horrifying act of violence. The case has shocked the Burlington community and raised painful questions about domestic violence and the warning signs that may precede a tragedy.

Police were called to the family’s apartment on South Champlain Street in Burlington at around 6 a.m. on Saturday, October 10, after reports of a disturbance. Officers arrived to find Lila unresponsive in bed with severe head injuries. She was rushed to the University of Vermont Medical Center, where she died on Sunday evening. Investigators allege that her husband, Bal Khadka, 44, struck her with a large flashlight during the attack.

According to court documents, the couple’s daughters, ages 3 and 10, were inside the apartment, along with a 10-year-old friend who had stayed overnight. The two older girls reportedly managed to get outside through a window as the situation unfolded. In one particularly disturbing detail, investigators said one of the children recorded audio on a phone. Prosecutors later described the recording as deeply distressing, underscoring the frightening circumstances the children allegedly witnessed.

The court also heard troubling allegations about the family’s history. According to statements attributed to the children, their father had previously attempted to harm their mother on multiple occasions. Investigators were also told that arguments had occurred before the fatal incident. Prosecutors said earlier domestic violence cases had included allegations against Bal, although at least one case did not proceed because Lila did not wish to participate in the prosecution. These past allegations are now part of the broader context being examined by authorities.

Bal Khadka appeared in court on Tuesday, October 13, and pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder. He also faces three counts of cruelty to a child, according to local reporting. Prosecutors have emphasized the serious impact the alleged attack could have on the children, who were present during the incident. He is being held without bail as the legal proceedings continue. The charges remain allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

The children are now staying with relatives as family members work to support them through the aftermath. For those close to Lila, her death represents a devastating loss, while the surviving children must begin coping with an experience no child should have to face. The case has also renewed attention to the dangers of domestic violence and the importance of taking threats and repeated incidents seriously.

As the investigation and court proceedings move forward, many questions remain about the events leading up to the attack and whether more could have been done to prevent it. For now, a family is grieving a mother who will not return home, while three children face the difficult road ahead after a night that changed their lives forever.

Source: PEOPLE