Police Found Woman’s Remains in a Toolbox Thanks to a ‘Single Drop of Blood.’ Her Killer Was Living in the Same Home

**Virginia Man Sentenced to Life for Stabbing Wife Over 90 Times**

A Virginia man has received a life sentence for the brutal murder of his wife, who was discovered stuffed inside a toolbox after being stabbed more than 90 times. Hagen Lawrence Roberts, aged 41, was sentenced to life in prison plus an additional five years for the October 2020 killing of Cynthia Capps. This decision was made on February 25, following a jury’s verdict in November 2025 that found him guilty of first-degree murder and use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a felony.

The tragic events leading to the sentencing unfolded on October 8, 2020, when Cynthia Capps’ husband called emergency services after failing to locate her at their residence on Green Cedar Lane. After taking a shower, he grew concerned and initiated a search of their home. His worry escalated when he discovered a “single drop of blood” on the kitchen floor, prompting him to contact the police.

Upon arrival, officers from the Virginia Beach Police Department began to examine the property for further evidence of foul play. Their investigation quickly focused on Roberts, who was renting a room in the couple’s home. When police attempted to access his room, they found it locked and forced entry, discovering Roberts lying on his bed, apparently just having showered and displaying a cut on his right hand that was wrapped in a black bandana.

During their inspection of the premises, law enforcement officials uncovered not only additional bloodstains in the backyard but also, tragically, the remains of Cynthia Capps within a toolbox. An autopsy later revealed that she had sustained over 90 stab wounds to her head, neck, and face. Disturbingly, a metal shard believed to be from a knife was also located embedded in her skull.

In Roberts’ bedroom, investigators found a folding knife with a broken tip, which was found to match the shard discovered in Capps’ skull. Forensic analysis further established a connection between Roberts and the crime scene, identifying DNA from both the deceased and the accused on a variety of evidence, including blood-stained clothing disposed of in a trash can.

Virginia Beach Circuit Court Judge Stephen C. Mahan characterised the evidence linking Roberts to the murder as “overwhelming.” In his remarks, he expressed that the severity of the crime warranted more than the maximum the sentencing guidelines could provide, describing the nature of this murder as “savage.”

During the sentencing, Roberts expressed regret over Capps’ death but maintained his innocence, arguing against the portrayal of him as a “menace to society.” He stated, “I do have remorse, but I can’t lie and admit to something I didn’t do.” His defiance came in the face of overwhelming evidence against him.

Capps’ brother, Cavan, also addressed the courtroom, delivering a heart-wrenching statement comparing the horror of his sister’s murder to chilling scenes from Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.” His comments underscored the profound tragedy of the situation, as he described the unimaginable ordeal Capps must have endured in her final moments.

The case has captured the attention of the community, not only due to the violent nature of the crime but also for the circumstances that led to the discovery of Capps’ remains through what could be described as fortuitous evidence—a solitary drop of blood. As the judicial process draws to a close with Roberts now behind bars for life, questions linger about the events that led to such a tragic loss of life.

As this case serves as further evidence of domestic violence’s tragic consequences, it highlights the pressing need for awareness and prevention initiatives aimed at protecting individuals at risk. The aftermath of such brutal violence often leaves families shattered and communities in mourning, raising a collective call for change in the way domestic violence is addressed in society.