On 12/5, Khanh, residing in Chau Thanh commune, was criminally detained by Can Tho City Police for investigation into the act of murder.

Ho Bao Khanh at the investigative agency. *Photo: Can Tho Police*

According to the initial investigation, Khanh, who had no stable employment, rented a room in Hung Phu ward. He lived there with a 21-year-old woman from his hometown of Chau Thanh commune. Khanh's girlfriend was several months pregnant. Recently, the two often had conflicts concerning money and daily living. On the evening of 1/5, they continued to argue about this matter.

Khanh stated that during their argument, his girlfriend uttered insults towards him and his family. Afterward, they both went to sleep as usual. However, a short time later, recalling his girlfriend's harsh words, Khanh became enraged. He sat up and killed her while she was sleeping soundly.

After committing the crime, he remained in the rented room until the following morning before locking the door and departing.

From 2/5 to 4/5, Khanh spent time in TP HCM and at a billiard hall in Chau Thanh commune, Can Tho City. On the evening of 4/5, Khanh returned to the rented room to sleep overnight; the next morning, he went back to the billiard hall in his hometown.

On the evening of 6/5, Khanh purchased gasoline and kerosene, returned to the rented room, poured them over the victim's body and belongings in the room, then locked the door and left the scene.

On the evening of 10/5, the landlord detected a strong odor emanating from Khanh's rented room. The landlord called Khanh to check, but received no response, so they forced open the door. Upon discovering the victim's body, they immediately reported it to the police.

The following day at noon, criminal police arrested Khanh in a residential area in Cai Rang, Can Tho City.

By An Binh