Manassas Park, Va. – Testimony continued Wednesday in the murder trial of Naresh Bhatt, a local resident accused of killing and dismembering his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt. Mamta was last heard from on July 29, 2024, and her body has never been recovered.
Surveillance video places Bhatt at trash compactor
Prosecutors introduced surveillance footage from the Fairfield Crossing Apartments in Falls Church, where Bhatt rented an apartment. Property manager Gabriela Manzanares testified that the video, recorded on July 31, 2024, shows Bhatt wearing gloves, carrying a bag, and dumping it into a trash compactor. “He’s carrying it as if the bag were to break, as if it were something heavy,” Manzanares said, noting that Bhatt cradled the bag with one arm while holding it upright with his right hand.
Neighbors describe Bhatt’s behavior
Brahayan Ramirez Pena, who rented the couple’s basement and lived in their Heather Court home for about two years, testified that Bhatt asked him to help rearrange furniture on August 2, 2024, before police arrived for a welfare check. Ramirez Pena said he moved the bed, nightstand, and dresser in the master bedroom but did not witness any argument between the couple. He only learned of Mamta’s disappearance after speaking with officers.
Jose Barajas Ayala, a local landscaper, testified that he was working on a neighboring property on August 1, 2024, when Bhatt inquired about cutting his grass. Barajas agreed to return twice a month for $40 each visit. He recalled seeing Bhatt attempt to cut a small tree trunk with a saw in an erratic manner and later demonstrated proper use of the Ryobi saw. Bhatt offered the saw, batteries, and charger in exchange for the day’s work.
When Barajas returned on August 28, 2024, a neighbor informed him of Bhatt’s arrest. He later turned the saw over to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office on September 9 and was asked directly if he had seen anyone use the saw to chop up a human body. Barajas said he had not.
Detective’s insight into marital conflict
Senior Deputy Thomas Wheeler, now with the Spotsylvania County Sheriff’s Office, testified that he had spoken to Bhatt on August 15, 2024, about the missing‑person case. Wheeler reported that Bhatt said the couple had arguments, primarily over issues outside the marriage, including whether Bhatt’s parents could remain at the couple’s address. Bhatt claimed his wife did not want his parents there, while he felt they were helping.
Body‑camera footage of Wheeler’s interview was entered into evidence, showing Bhatt’s recollection of the days surrounding his wife’s disappearance.
Trial logistics and next steps
The presiding judge urged the prosecution to streamline testimony to allow sufficient time for the defense and jury deliberations, noting upcoming court closures on Election Day and Veterans Day. Bhatt was arrested in August 2024 and faces first‑degree murder charges along with several related counts.
The jury is composed of six men and eleven women, with five alternates standing by. As the trial proceeds, the community watches closely for any new evidence that could bring closure to Mamta Kafle Bhatt’s family.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
