A suburban Washington, D.C., man has been indicted for murder more than four months after the disappearance of his wife, whose body has yet to be found. Authorities announced Monday that Naresh Bhatt, 37, is charged with murder and defiling a dead body in connection with the presumed death of his wife, Mamta Bhatt, 28.
The charges follow an extensive investigation into the July disappearance of Mamta, a pediatric nurse in Manassas Park, Virginia. Investigators say DNA evidence linked her to a substantial amount of blood found in the couple’s home, suggesting injuries that were “not survivable.”
Grisly Evidence Uncovered
Police Chief Mario Lugo confirmed at a news conference that investigators discovered blood in the bedroom and bathroom of the Bhatts’ residence during their first search warrant. Authorities believe Naresh dismembered his wife’s body, leading to the defiling charge.
“From the beginning, we believed that she was murdered,” Lugo said. “I feel we have a strong case for not having the body.”
Naresh Bhatt had been under scrutiny since Mamta’s disappearance, with police highlighting inconsistencies in his statements to law enforcement, the media, and the public. “We stood back and listened,” Lugo said. “What he was telling the public was not what he was telling us.”
Community Outcry
The disappearance of Mamta Bhatt has garnered significant attention, both locally and internationally. Her family in Nepal and members of the northern Virginia community have rallied for answers, organizing social media campaigns, community events, and a rally to apply public pressure on Naresh.
Flowers, candles, and photos of Mamta have been placed near the couple’s mailbox in a tribute to the beloved pediatric nurse.
Three weeks after Mamta was last seen in late July, Naresh was charged with concealing a dead body. He has remained in custody since then, awaiting trial on that charge, which is scheduled to begin next week.
Challenges in Bodiless Homicide Cases
Prosecuting murder cases without a body can be challenging, but advancements in forensic evidence have improved success rates. DNA analysis, cellphone tracking, and surveillance footage are often critical in these cases.
Tad DiBiase, a former federal prosecutor and author of No-Body Homicide Cases: A Practical Guide to Investigating, Prosecuting, and Winning Cases When the Victim is Missing, noted that such cases have an 87% conviction rate in the United States.
Chief Lugo emphasized the extensive effort put into the investigation, which has included over 10 searches, grid searches with K9 teams, and nearly 30 subpoenas and search warrants.
Next Steps
The indictment marks a significant development in the case, but challenges remain. The absence of Mamta’s body could complicate the prosecution, even with the substantial evidence collected.
Authorities have not disclosed further details about the timeline or additional evidence leading to the indictment. Naresh Bhatt has not entered a plea for the murder and defiling charges and has yet to comment publicly on the latest developments.
As the trial approaches, Mamta’s family and the local community continue to demand justice for the young mother and healthcare worker whose life was tragically cut short.
