On 4/8, the Nghe An Provincial People's Court sentenced Nguyen Trong Tam, 33, from Que Phong commune, to prison for murder and illegal possession of military weapons.

During the trial, Tam testified he only intended to threaten and had no intention of killing. The victim, Ngo Ro Bi, stated he was attacked unexpectedly while in his oto and urged the court to impose a severe penalty.

The court panel concluded that Tam's act of stabbing the victim in the chest and abdomen, vital areas that could lead to death without immediate medical intervention, constituted murder. In addition to the prison term, the court ordered Tam to pay over 290 million VND in compensation to the victim, accounting for any previous payments made.

Defendant Tam at court. *Photo: Hung Le*

According to the indictment, Tam and Bi, 34, both residents of the same commune, were friends. Bi had repeatedly lent Tam money for his wood trading business. Following various transactions, Tam still owed Bi 350 million VND.

On the morning of 26/4/2025, Tam invited Bi to Quy Chau commune, ostensibly to borrow money to settle his debt. While traveling, Tam's wife called, asking him to purchase three gardening knives. Later that afternoon, on their return journey, Tam admitted to Bi that he had not managed to secure the funds and requested a debt deferral. Bi rejected this, insisting on immediate payment, which escalated into an argument.

Authorities allege that Tam stopped the oto, reached into the back seat for a knife, and stabbed Bi once in the abdomen. Bi fought back, and during the struggle, the knife blade cut his neck and caused several other injuries.

Injured, Bi opened the car door and ran out, shouting for help. Tam discarded the knife, drove the oto away from the scene, and then contacted a friend to transport Bi for emergency medical treatment. Forensic examination later determined that Bi had sustained 56% body injuries.

Duc Hung