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18-year-old woman, boyfriend arrested for stabbing step-father to death

Police believe the stepfather got into an argument with his stepdaughter before the fatal stabbing.

GAINESVILLE, Va. — A woman and her boyfriend were arrested after her stepfather was stabbed to death early Wednesday morning, according to Gainesville Police Department.

According to a press release from the police department, the deadly incident happened in the 15100 block of Santander Drive just after 1 a.m. 

When officers arrived, they found a man, later identified as 40-year-old Lionel L. Brown, laying on the floor. He had been stabbed multiple times in the upper body and first responders immediately started trying to provide first aid until rescue personnel could arrive. 

Brown was taken to a nearby hospital for help but he later died from his injuries, police said.

Police believe Brown got into an argument with his stepdaughter, 18-year-old Laila Hallie Brown, which was overheard by Laila's boyfriend, 18-year-old Dajuan Amant'e Sandlain. Officers said Sandlain went to Brown's home and confronted him with a knife following the argument. A fight allegedly broke out and Brown was stabbed to death.

Investigators claim Laila and Sandlain ran from the home and were later arrested without incident. 

Sandlain has been charged with murder and is currently being held without bond. Laila has been charged with accessory after the fact and is also being held without bond. 

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