Pet python repeatedly stabbed by intruder during home break-in, Virginia cops say

A midday home break-in took a bizarre turn when the intruder repeatedly stabbed the homeowner’s pet python, according to investigators in northern Virginia.

The attack happened around 11 a.m. on Wednesday, March 12, in Stafford, and deputies arrived to find the 21-year-old suspect still at the scene, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office said in a March 13 news release.

“It was advised a female suspect was currently in the residence with scissors and knives,” the sheriff’s office said.

“(She) unlawfully entered the residence with the intent to kill a pet snake that was in the residence. While two pet snakes were unharmed, a four-year-old banana ball python had several stab wounds and a knife currently sticking out of it.”

Her motive for targeting the python was not revealed.

The female snake was taken to an animal hospital for evaluation and veterinarians determined the wounds were life-threatening.

However, the snake is expected to survive after having emergency surgery, officials said. She was recovering in the care of her owner.

The suspect was arrested and charged with felony breaking and entering, felony animal cruelty, and possession of controlled substances, officials said.

Stafford is about a 45-mile drive southwest from Washington, D.C.

Banana ball pythons are native to West Africa, grow to about 5 feet and live up to 30 years, according to Azreptiles.com.

This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 7:19 AM with the headline "Pet python repeatedly stabbed by intruder during home break-in, Virginia cops say."