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Suspect in the death of Leesburg man was searching for someone else in the neighborhood, family says

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office said the suspect showed up to the home multiple times the day before looking for someone who lived in the area.

LEESBURG, Va. — The family of a Leesburg man killed in a stabbing said the suspect showed up to his home the day before the attack. 

Michael Fadely, 46, was killed in his home on Newton Place in the Barclay Woods neighborhood just before 4:30 a.m. Sunday, according to police. His fiancé was also injured and taken to the hospital where she was listed in stable condition. 

The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office arrested 22-year-old Melvin Wasike after he turned himself in. While the motive remained under investigation, an LCSO spokesperson confirmed Wasike visited the home multiple times on Saturday and claimed to be looking for someone at the residence. Wasike also showed up to other homes looking for someone who lived in the area.

A deputy who responded to Fadely's home spotted Wasike drive by and pulled him over. While he was questioned, the deputy told Wasike to leave the property and stay away per Fadely's request. 

Fadely's father said his fiancé recognized Wasike when he broke into their home in the early morning hours of Sunday and attacked them. 

Wasike is facing multiple charges including first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder, aggravated malicious wounding and breaking and entering while armed with intent to commit murder.

"To have his life taken away this way, in such a heinous way, is so upsetting to so many people," Fadely's sister Andrea Maddra said. "Whoever drew him [Wasike] into this neighborhood, I hope you're happy with yourself now because my brother had to die because of that."

Fadely's family described him to be a generous and caring person who constantly took care of his parents. 

"We're having a very difficult time with this because Michael was a caring son and loved his family," Fadely's father, Robert Fadely, said.

Michael Fadely had been with his fiancé for about 7 years, according to family. and the couple planned to marry next fall. He was a systems engineer graduate at the University of Virginia and co-founded Strategic Technology Partners. 

"He was a hardworking and highly intelligent person who cared so much for his employees," Maddra said. 

For more than 24 hours, investigators remained on scene to collect evidence. The case remains under investigation.  

Wasike is being held at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center without bond. 

RELATED: Police investigate killing and stabbing in Loudoun County; suspect taken into police custody

RELATED: Teen arrested in stabbing outside Loudoun County McDonald's

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