On 18/9, the Long An Province People's Court sentenced Ho to 18 years in prison for murder. He was also ordered to pay over 160 million VND in compensation to the victim's family.

Tran Lam Ho at the court. Photo: Nam An

Tran Lam Ho at the court. Photo: Nam An

Ho is illiterate and works as a laborer. On the evening of July 13th, he was drinking with friends in front of his house when Nguyen rode past on his motorbike with a friend, revving the engine and, according to Ho, "giving him a dirty look."

According to the indictment, an irritated Ho borrowed a friend's motorbike and followed Nguyen. He found Nguyen drinking at an acquaintance's house about 100 meters away and returned to continue drinking with his friends. Later, when he saw Nguyen ride to a neighboring house, Ho confronted him, asking, "Why do you keep revving your engine when you pass my house?"

Nguyen replied, "It's my bike, I'll rev it if I want to. Do you want to fight?" Ho went inside, grabbed a knife, and stabbed Nguyen multiple times, causing him to collapse.

The victim was taken to the hospital but died on the way. Ho turned himself in to the police.

Nam An

* The victim's name has been changed.