On 21/7, Ut Em, 48, and his son, Pham Nhut Hoa, 27, were detained by An Giang Provincial Police for investigation into murder. The incident stemmed from an ongoing dispute in Rach Gia ward.

According to initial investigations, Ut Em operates a car wash. His neighbor, Mr. Hong, 46, often complained loudly about water splashing onto his property.

The conflict escalated on the evening of 18/7. Mr. Hong stood in front of Ut Em's house, holding an iron bar, cursing and challenging him to a fight. Ut Em, however, had gone out drinking.

Pham Van Ut Em (left) and his son Pham Nhut Hoa at the investigative agency. *Photo: Duong Dong*

About one hour later, Mr. Hong continued to curse his neighbors. When Ut Em returned from drinking and went out to talk, Mr. Hong again cursed him. Angered, the car wash owner went inside to retrieve an iron bar. Seeing this, Hoa also grabbed an iron bar and followed to assist his father.

During the altercation, Mr. Hong suffered a traumatic brain injury and collapsed on the spot. He is currently receiving emergency treatment at the hospital.

By Ngoc Tai - Duong Dong

*Victim's name has been changed