On 8/6, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court sentenced Tran Thanh Sang to life imprisonment for murder and two years in prison for illegal possession of military weapons. The court imposed a combined sentence of life imprisonment.

The court ordered Sang to pay an additional 160 million VND in compensation to his younger brother's family.

According to the trial panel, Sang's violent and aggressive behavior, which fully executed the crime and caused exceptionally severe consequences, warranted strict punishment. However, the court also noted Sang's sincere confession, his payment of 800 million VND in compensation to the victim's family, and the victim's representative's request for a reduced sentence.

Tran Thanh Sang at court today. Photo: Binh Nguyen

According to the indictment, Sang had frequent arguments with his younger brother due to a prolonged dispute over land and a shared access path.

On the morning of 6/3/2025, Sang brought two knives to his younger brother's house in Binh Tan ward. After discussing land reallocation with his mother to create an access path to the back plot, Sang continued the conversation with his brother, proposing to open a path through the front plot. His brother disagreed, leading to an argument between them.

Angered, Sang drew a knife and repeatedly slashed his brother's head. When the victim fled, Sang pursued him, using the second knife to stab him multiple times in the chest, causing his death at the scene.

After the crime, Sang used a knife and scissors to inflict injuries upon himself. He then poured water onto the electrical circuit breaker in an attempt to commit suicide, which failed, resulting in him being electrocuted into unconsciousness.

Upon discovering the incident, the victim's wife and relatives rushed Sang to Cho Ray Hospital for emergency treatment and reported the case to the police.

During the investigation and at trial, Sang admitted his criminal acts. The defendant testified that he had repeatedly proposed to his younger brother to transfer a portion of land for an access path, but his request was denied, leading to his resentment.

At court, the victim's wife demanded over 2.5 billion VND in compensation from the defendant, covering funeral costs, emotional distress, and lost income. She also requested the trial panel consider a reduced sentence for Sang.

Binh Nguyen