On the morning of 24/8, forces continued to establish a perimeter from multiple directions to search for Lia, 38, residing in Phu Kha village, Na Ngoi commune, formerly part of Ky Son district.

The search efforts face challenges due to several days of rain, the vast and rugged mountainous terrain, and dense forests. Adding to the difficulty, Lia is a local who frequently traverses the forest, making him familiar with the area.

The mountainous forest area in Phu Kha village, Na Ngoi commune, where Lia is hiding. *Duc Hung*

According to authorities, Lia had recently returned from working as a laborer in the southern region. On 21/8, during a "lam via" ritual (a spiritual ceremony) at a resident's home in Phu Kha village, some women reportedly criticized Lia for being poor. Angered, Lia demanded an apology from those who spoke ill of him and requested local authorities to organize mediation.

Around 11 p.m. that same day, seeing Lia's anger, his younger brother, Vu Ba Bi, 36, intervened, stating it was "a minor issue, not worth paying attention to".

Authorities allege the two brothers then argued loudly and struggled. Lia ran upstairs to retrieve a knife from the kitchen loft, then returned and stabbed Bi, causing the victim to collapse and die at the scene.

After committing the crime, Lia fled into the deep forest of Phu Kha village. Police report that when he escaped, the suspect was wearing fabric trousers, a blood-stained white short-sleeved shirt, carrying a knife approximately 50 cm long, and a rechargeable flashlight.

Duc Hung