On 27/8, the People's Court of Nghe An province sentenced Nguyen Dinh Khanh, 36, residing in Thanh Binh Tho commune, to 17 years in prison for murder, under Article 123 of the Penal Code. Khanh was found guilty of fatally wounding Phat and injuring two others.

In court, Khanh expressed remorse, crying multiple times. He testified that he panicked and reacted after seeing Phat attack him with a knife in the dark, leading to the homicide and plunging his family into tragedy. The defendant requested a reduced sentence to return home sooner and atone for his actions. However, the trial panel determined that Khanh's actions were dangerous to society, violated the lives of others, and disrupted local security, emphasizing the need for strict punishment as a deterrent.

The defendant Khanh in court. *Photo: Hung Le*

The conflict began in 8/2025, when Khanh saw a neighbor's Facebook post detailing how Phat's family had pressured them during the acacia wood procurement process. Khanh, who had known Phat, 42, a resident of Mau Thach commune, for a long time, commented on the post, criticizing their actions and stating they should not unduly pressure others. The post was subsequently deleted.

The next day, Phat messaged and called Khanh with threats. Fearing a confrontation, Khanh traveled to TP HCM for work. During his absence, Phat's younger brother continued to call, insult, and challenge Khanh, further escalating the conflict.

In late 9/2025, Khanh returned home for his younger brother's wedding. Learning of his return, on the evening of 2/10/2025, after drinking, Phat and two others drove an oto to Khanh's house to "talk". Khanh, who was sleeping with his wife and children, awoke to a noise, opened his door, and went outside to investigate. It was raining heavily at the time, and a power outage had plunged the area into darkness.

Authorities alleged that Phat entered from the yard, called "Khanh?", and then attacked with a knife. Khanh dodged the attack, wrestled the knife from Phat, and then struck Phat once in the head. The two people accompanying Phat, who subsequently rushed in, were also struck in the head by Khanh. Seeing the three individuals severely injured and bleeding heavily, Khanh asked relatives to call for a vehicle to transport them to Nghe An General Friendship Hospital for emergency treatment.

Phat died after three days of treatment. The other two sustained injuries resulting in 16-50% health impairment. Khanh was arrested following the incident.

Duc Hung

*Victim's name has been changed.*