On the afternoon of 18/5, Nguyen Thi Quyen, 41, from Cam Thanh Ward, Quang Ngai province, was sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Quang Ngai Provincial People's Court for the murder of a 14-month-old boy. The court found that Quyen, a private daycare owner, had caused the child's death through violent actions.

According to the indictment, the incident occurred on the morning of 16/7/2025, when the 14-month-old boy's mother dropped him off at the Nhu Y private daycare facility, which Quyen owned and managed. After feeding the baby, Quyen let him play. When the baby began to cry and would not calm down with a pacifier, Quyen carried him to the bedroom to put him to sleep.

Investigators determined that Quyen held the baby and forcefully dropped him onto the mattress from a height of about 40-50 cm. The baby continued to cry and vomit, then crawled towards the room door. Quyen returned, grabbed the child by the armpits, threw him violently onto the mattress again, and then left the room.

Following this second throw, the boy fell off the mattress, his head striking the floor. Quyen's son, present in the room, saw the child turn purple and begin to convulse, prompting him to call his mother to seek emergency medical attention. The boy died on 5/8/2025.

The forensic examination concluded that the cause of death was respiratory and circulatory failure due to cerebral edema, resulting from a traumatic brain injury.

Nguyen Thi Quyen, her hair white, cries in court. Photo: Thach Thao

In court, Quyen admitted her actions. "For nearly a year, I have thought day and night, my hair turning white; I never imagined this day would come. A single moment of my mistake harmed the child, causing the victim's family to lose a loved one. I am deeply saddened and regretful", Quyen stated in her final address before the court deliberated. The former babysitter apologized to the victim's family, asking for forgiveness and stating that the child's death was unintentional. "I beg the victim's family to allow me to atone for my mistakes and rebuild my life. I will repent until the end of my days", she pleaded.

However, the boy's father stated that the defendant was not sincere and did not deserve a second chance, as the consequences of her actions were irreparable.

The trial panel determined that Quyen was aware her actions could endanger a small child's life but proceeded nonetheless, demonstrating a disregard for human life. However, the defendant benefited from mitigating circumstances: she made honest declarations, showed remorse, and had already paid 100 million dong in compensation to the victim's family. Consequently, the court sentenced Quyen to 20 years in prison.

Beyond the criminal proceedings, authorities determined that the Nhu Y daycare facility operated without a license and recommended administrative penalties.

Pham Linh