A Virginia man has been sentenced to life in prison for the brutal murder of Cynthia Capps, who was stabbed more than 90 times and left in a toolbox, a murder solved only because of a drop of blood found at the scene.
Hagen Lawrence Roberts, 41, was sentenced to life in prison plus five years in prison in November 2025 after pleading guilty to first-degree murder and felony stabbing charges. Roberts maintained his innocence throughout the trial, but the overwhelming evidence against him led to the maximum sentence, which was handed down on February 25.
The tragic events unfolded on October 8, 2020, when Capps’ husband, unable to locate her, called 911. They found a drop of blood on the kitchen floor, prompting them to contact authorities. Virginia Beach Police Department officers responded and immediately began an investigation. They traced the blood trail to Roberts, who was living in a room in the couple’s home.
Roberts was found inside a locked room, looking disoriented, having recently bathed in water and with his hands bandaged. As officers continued their search, they found more blood stains outside the home, leading to a shocking discovery. Capps’s body was found hidden in a toolbox, showing signs of severe trauma, including more than 90 stab wounds to his head, face, and neck. A metal fragment was recovered from his skull, which was identified as a piece of a knife.
Forensic evidence, including DNA analysis, confirmed the connection between Roberts and the crime, with blood-stained clothes and a blood-stained knife found in his room. The broken tip of the knife matched a fragment recovered from Capps’ skull.
At sentencing, Judge Stephen C. Mahan noted the “overwhelming” evidence against Roberts, and described the murder as “barbaric” in nature. Roberts expressed regret that Capps was no longer alive, but continued to deny responsibility for his death. He claimed that he was remorseful, but maintained that he had not committed the crime.
Capps’ brother Cavan addressed the court, offering a horrifying description of his sister’s final moments. He compared the brutality of her murder to a scene from the movie crazyEmphasizing the horror of being repeatedly stabbed while conscious.
The case, which shocked the community, is a reminder of the devastating consequences of violence, as well as the vital role of forensic evidence in solving the most horrific crimes.