On 15/5, the Nghe An Provincial People's Court handed down a 14-year prison sentence to Le Van Ngoan, 47, of Tien Phong commune, for the murder of his wife, Ms. Nguyen. The court found Ngoan guilty under Article 123 of the Penal Code.

During the trial, Ngoan admitted his actions and expressed deep remorse. He stated that his wife's constant alcohol consumption and neglect of their family, coupled with his concerns while working far from home, led to his frustration and loss of control after his repeated calls to advise her went unheeded.

The Trial Panel determined Ngoan's actions were particularly serious and warranted a strict sentence for deterrence. However, Ngoan received mitigating circumstances due to his honest testimony, remorse, and a petition for a reduced sentence filed by the victim's family representative.

Ngoan in court on 15/5. Photo: Hung Le

Ngoan in court on 15/5. Photo: Hung Le

According to the indictment, Ngoan and Ms. Nguyen, also 47, married decades ago and resided in Tien Phong commune (formerly part of Que Phong district). Ms. Nguyen frequently drank alcohol at relatives' and neighbors' homes. While working as a laborer in Vinh, Ngoan repeatedly called his wife to advise her against drinking, but she did not listen.

On the afternoon of 1/1, during the New Year's Day holiday, Ngoan returned home. He found his wife lying on the bed and asked her to cook because he was hungry.

When Ms. Nguyen went into the kitchen, Ngoan, overcome with frustration about her drinking and her failure to answer his phone calls, grabbed a long wooden stick, typically used to stir pig feed. He then struck her head, causing her to stumble.

After the attack, Ms. Nguyen ran outside, slipping and falling into a ditch. Ngoan dragged her back home, bathed her, and then helped her into the bedroom.

Around 1h on 2/1, Ngoan heard a noise and checked on his wife. He observed she could not stand on her own but did not seek emergency medical help, merely covering her with a blanket before leaving. After 7h, he discovered his wife had died. Ngoan then called relatives and later surrendered to the police.

A forensic examination concluded that the victim died from cerebral edema.

Duc Hung

*Victim's name has been changed.