On 28/1, the Hue City People's Court sentenced Phu to death for murder and illegal possession of military weapons.
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Phan Van Phu at the trial, morning 28/1. *Photo: Van An*
According to the indictment, Phan Van Phu and Tran Thi Kim Chi, 32, were granted a divorce by the former Quang Dien District People's Court. The court granted custody of their six-year-old child to Chi.
On 6/6/2025, the Thuan Hoa District Civil Enforcement Agency (now Hue Area 1 Civil Enforcement Office) arranged a visit between Phu and his child at its headquarters. After the meeting, Phu requested to take the child to visit his paternal grandparents in Dan Dien commune. However, Chi refused, stating that visits could only occur at her home.
Enraged by the refusal, Phu returned to Chi's house and threatened her, telling her to "prepare four coffins." He then purchased a knife and a 5-liter plastic can.
On the morning of 7/6/2025, Phu entered Chi's house through the back door. Inside were Chi's mother, Mrs. Nguyen Thi Chin, 54, and her younger brother, Tran Hop, 22. Phu again demanded to take the child, but was refused and asked to leave by Hop.
Phu reacted by opening his backpack, taking out the knife, and slashing Hop's throat. Chi panicked and fled towards the Van Cao street gate, but Phu pursued her, tackling her to the ground. Phu then continued chasing Hop.
Seeing Mrs. Chin run in from the street, screaming for help, Phu turned and attacked her. Hop attempted to save his mother and was stabbed again in the abdomen by Phu.
Phu threw the weapon and his backpack onto the roof of a nearby house before surrendering to the former Xuan Phu Ward Police.
Mrs. Chin and Chi died from stab wounds to their necks and abdomens. Hop sustained injuries resulting in 26% permanent physical and mental damage.
At the trial, the court determined that Phu's actions were violent and aggressive, demonstrating contempt for the law and a severe violation of others' right to life. These actions caused particularly serious consequences, disrupting social order and safety.
By Vo Thanh
