On 22/12, the People's Court of TP HCM sentenced Quynh (37, from Thai Nguyen) to death for murder, 12 years for property robbery, and six years for property destruction. Combining these sentences, the defendant faces a total penalty of death.

According to the trial panel, Quynh, motivated by a desire to appropriate assets, brutally murdered the victim. He committed multiple crimes simultaneously and had a poor personal record, necessitating the harshest possible punishment.

Defendant Dong Xuan Quynh in court today. *Photo: Binh Nguyen*

The indictment states that around 6/2020, Quynh moved to TP HCM to work as an interior construction supervisor for a company. From late 7/2020 to mid-8/2020, the company assigned him to supervise the renovation of Ms. Nga's house, 66, in the former Phu Nhuan District.

While working, Quynh became familiar with the victim's family routine. He learned they had recently sold another house for 12 billion VND, then purchased their current residence for 8.5 billion VND. Burdened by gambling debts, Quynh developed a plan to steal their assets.

On the afternoon of 27/10/2020, Quynh went to Ms. Nga's house, claiming to recheck interior items. Taking advantage of Ms. Nga being home alone, he strangled her from behind with an electrical cord until she lost consciousness. He then searched multiple rooms, taking watches, jewelry, cash, foreign currency, a computer, and other valuables.

To conceal his actions, Quynh repeatedly stabbed the victim in the neck with a knife, then set the house on fire. He fled on the homeowner's daughter's motorbike. The defendant sold some of the stolen items and deposited money into his bank account to pay off debts.

Around 2:50 p.m. that same day, residents discovered the house ablaze and notified authorities. A scene investigation and forensic examination concluded that the victim died from strangulation and had neck wounds.

In court today, Quynh admitted his criminal acts. He testified that at the time of the crime, he was gambling online and had accumulated debts. Threatened and pressured by his creditors, he conceived the plan to murder the victim for her assets.

Binh Nguyen