A Vermont father is accused of brutally beating his wife to death with a large flashlight as three terrified children witnessed the attack, including one who secretly recorded the violence on a cellphone.
Bal Khadka, 44, allegedly struck his wife, Lila Darjee Khadka, 44, repeatedly in the head inside their Burlington apartment early Saturday, October 10, while their two daughters, ages 3 and 10, and a 10-year-old friend were home for a sleepover.
According to court documents, the two older children escaped through a window and desperately sought help as the violence unfolded.
Police responded to multiple 911 calls shortly before 6 a.m. and discovered Lila unconscious in bed with severe head injuries at the family’s South Champlain Street apartment.
She was rushed to the University of Vermont Medical Center in critical condition but died Sunday evening.
Investigators say the attack followed accusations of infidelity. The children reportedly told police their father had been using drugs and had accused their mother of cheating.
Court documents allege Khadka struck his wife approximately 10 times with a large flashlight while the children were present.
One child managed to record audio of the incident, capturing screams and sounds investigators believe were repeated blows.
Chittenden County State’s Attorney Sarah George described the recording as among the most disturbing evidence she has encountered.
“The audio recording is one of the worst things I think I’ve ever heard,” George told WCAX.
Authorities said the recording included a child pleading with her father to stop before screaming.
When officers arrived, they allegedly found Khadka behaving calmly despite his wife’s critical injuries. Investigators described him as appearing emotionally unaffected by the situation.
But the allegations became even more disturbing when the children spoke to detectives.
According to court documents, they claimed their father had tried to kill their mother multiple times in the past.
Court records show Khadka previously had convictions for violating an abuse prevention order, violating conditions of release, and driving under the influence.
Prosecutors also confirmed that at least one earlier domestic violence case had been dismissed after Lila declined to participate in the prosecution.
George acknowledged the difficulties of prosecuting domestic violence cases when victims are reluctant or unable to testify, emphasizing the need for stronger support systems.
She also expressed particular concern about the lasting trauma suffered by the three children who allegedly witnessed the fatal attack.
“I’m not sure tragedy even covers it. Just really, really horrific,” George said.
Khadka was initially charged with attempted murder, but prosecutors upgraded the charge after his wife’s death.
He appeared in Chittenden County Superior Court on Tuesday, October 13, and pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and three counts of cruelty to a child.
A judge ordered him held without bail. A weight-of-the-evidence hearing is scheduled for October 26.
The children are now staying with relatives as authorities continue investigating the circumstances surrounding Lila’s death.
The case has also renewed concerns about the dangers faced by domestic violence victims, particularly when previous allegations have failed to result in lasting protection.
