Powhatan, Virginia — On a quiet Saturday evening in Powhatan County, police discovered a domestic violence scene that ended in the death of a woman and the arrest of her own son. Deputies responded around 7:45 p.m. to a home on the 2000 block of Red Lane Road for reports of a domestic assault. When they arrived, they found a man and a woman with severe stab wounds.
The woman, later identified as 52‑year‑old Melissa Ann Seamster, was unresponsive. Deputies and emergency responders worked desperately to save her, performing CPR at the scene, but she did not survive the attack. The man was airlifted to a hospital and is currently listed in stable condition as he recovers from his injuries.
Investigators say that the suspect, Seamster’s 31‑year‑old son Cody Travis Mulchi, fled the scene after the stabbings. Officers located him nearby and there was a short standoff before he was taken into custody without further incident. He was first taken to a hospital for evaluation before being booked into the Pamunkey Regional Jail without bond.
Mulchi faces multiple criminal charges, including second‑degree murder, malicious wounding with intent to maim or kill, and assault and battery of a family or household member. The charges reflect a brutal attack that left a household shattered and raised questions about what preceded the violence.
Neighbors in the rural Powhatan community said they were stunned by the news. Seamster was remembered as a caring mother and a familiar face around town. Friends and acquaintances gathered in shock as word of the incident spread, struggling to reconcile the loss with the close‑knit setting they call home.
At this point, the sheriff’s office has stressed that the investigation is still underway and many details remain private. Officials have also reassured residents that this seemed to be an isolated incident with no ongoing threat.
Mulchi remains in custody as the legal process unfolds, and the community continues to absorb the impact of a sudden, shocking loss that has left questions unanswered. The case will likely unfold in court over the coming weeks as prosecutors prepare their case.
