Dong Nai police continue to question Hai, a resident of Ba Ria ward (Ho Chi Minh City), on July 19th regarding the murder investigation.

Hai has two prior convictions for unlawful detention and illegal possession of narcotics.

Tran Thanh Hai (center) at the police station. Photo: Police provided

Tran Thanh Hai (center) at the police station. Photo: Police provided

Hai confessed to the crime, explaining to police that a financial dispute with Nguyen The Anh, 43, a resident of Phu Lam commune, Dong Nai, motivated him to seek revenge. Before the incident, Hai searched online for a gun and ammunition.

Around 2 PM on July 15th, Hai rode his motorbike about 150 km from his home in Ba Ria ward (Ho Chi Minh City) to Anh’s house in Phuong Mai hamlet, Phu Lam commune. Near 8 PM, seeing Anh drinking with neighbors in front of his house, Hai shot him from the street. Missing with the first shot, Hai fired again before fleeing back to his home in Ba Ria to hide the gun.

The victim, shot in the arm and neck, was taken to the hospital by his family but died from his severe injuries.

Upon receiving the report, Dong Nai police launched a special investigation, deploying dozens of experienced detectives in collaboration with the Criminal Police Department (Ministry of Public Security). Based on the recovered bullet, camera footage, and an examination of the victim's social connections, investigators arrested Hai in Ho Chi Minh City in the early hours of July 17th, recovering the weapon and other evidence.

The investigation is ongoing.

Phuoc Tuan