On 13/3, Zheng Yikun, 35, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court for murder. He was also ordered to compensate the victim's family 234 million dong and provide child support for the victim's children until they reach 18 years old.

The trial panel deemed the defendant's actions exceptionally serious and violent, warranting strict punishment. The court acknowledged mitigating circumstances, including partial compensation for damages and a sincere confession.

Defendant Zheng Yikun in court today. *Photo: Binh Nguyen*

The indictment detailed that on the evening of 29/10/2024, Zheng Yikun and Shen Shaoping were staying at a company headquarters in Binh Tri Dong ward, Ho Chi Minh City. The next morning, a dispute arose when Shen Shaoping asked to borrow 30,000 yuan (approximately 100 million dong), and Yikun refused, leading to a physical altercation.

During the confrontation, Shen Shaoping grabbed a hammer and attacked Yikun. Yikun blocked the blow, then took the hammer and struck his compatriot multiple times on the head, causing his death. Following the murder, Yikun bought nylon bags to wrap the victim's body, placed it in a wooden box, and hired someone to transport it to a warehouse for disposal.

By 7/11/2024, Shen Shaoping's relatives reported him missing after failing to make contact. A police investigation quickly led to Yikun's arrest.

Binh Nguyen