On this day, Dec. 10, 2001, prominent scientist Robert Schwartz was found stabbed to death in a Loudoun County farmhouse, a slaying that grew from a role-playing game orchestrated by his daughter.
Clara Schwartz, 21, a James Madison University student, and her boyfriend were obsessed with dragons and vampires. The two engaged in a fantasy game called “Underworld,” in which Clara Schwartz’s character, “Lord Chaos,” asked Kyle Hulbert’s character, a vampire, to assassinate her father.
Robert Schwartz was alone in his Leesburg home when Hulbert, 21, attacked him with a 27-inch sword.
Police found 50 stab wounds. Carved into Schwartz’ neck was an “X,” indicating a ritualistic killing.
Schwartz admitted to complaining to friends about her father, but said she never planned his murder.
Hulbert was sentenced to life. Schwartz received a 48 years.
— Scott McCabe
