A US jury has found Naresh Bhatt guilty of first-degree murder in connection with the disappearance and killing of his wife, Mamta Kafle Bhatt, in Virginia. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, following a trial that lasted nearly six weeks.

The case attracted widespread attention after Bhatt admitted during his testimony last week that he had used a saw to dismember his wife's body and dispose of her remains. However, he denied murdering her, claiming that she had died by suicide.

The jury rejected his explanation and found him guilty of first-degree murder, along with charges related to concealing and physically defiling a dead human body.

What Happened to Mamta Kafle Bhatt?

Mamta Kafle Bhatt, a 28-year-old nurse and mother of a young daughter, disappeared in July 2024. She was last seen on July 27, 2024, in Manassas, Virginia.

Her sudden disappearance triggered an extensive investigation. Initially, Naresh told authorities that he did not know where his wife was and suggested that she might have travelled to visit relatives.

However, investigators continued examining the circumstances surrounding her disappearance, eventually charging him with murder and offences involving the handling and concealment of a body.

Despite extensive searches, Mamta's remains have never been recovered.

Husband's Shocking Courtroom Confession

During his testimony, Naresh Bhatt provided a disturbing account of what he claimed happened after his wife died.

He told the court that he found Mamta unconscious near their bed on July 30, 2024, with an open packet of insecticide nearby. According to his testimony, he attempted to revive her but failed.

Bhatt claimed that he panicked and decided to use a saw to dismember her body before disposing of the remains.

He maintained that he had not killed his wife and insisted that her death was a suicide. Prosecutors challenged this explanation and argued that he had deliberately murdered her.

Jury Rejects His Defence

Prosecutors presented evidence during the trial to challenge Bhatt's account, including forensic findings, internet search history, evidence involving a power saw and messages between the couple.

The prosecution argued that his actions were part of an effort to conceal the murder and avoid responsibility.

After hearing nearly six weeks of testimony and evidence, the jury found him guilty of first-degree murder and the related body-concealment and defilement charges.

What Happens Next?

Naresh Bhatt faces the possibility of life imprisonment for the first-degree murder conviction, along with additional prison time for the other charges.

His sentencing is expected to take place on March 12, 2027.

The verdict brings a major development in a case that began with a young mother's disappearance more than two years ago. Mamta's family has continued seeking justice, while the location of her remains remains unknown.