On 15/7, Tuan appeared before the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court, charged with murder. The victims were his uncle, Mr. Lung, and Mr. Lung’s son.

Court documents reveal that Tuan and his uncle lived next door to each other in My Thai commune (formerly Cu Chi district). For years, their families clashed over a boundary line dispute. Tuan's father, Mr. Dam, was sued by Mr. Lung and his son for alleged encroachment.

Defendant Nguyen Van Tuan in court today. Photo: Binh Nguyen

Defendant Nguyen Van Tuan in court today. Photo: Binh Nguyen

According to the indictment, on the afternoon of 25/9/2023, Tuan was clearing weeds with a machete on the land bordering his uncle's property. Mr. Lung believed Tuan was clearing plants on the disputed land without informing him. He and his son confronted Tuan, leading to an argument.

During the altercation, Tuan struck Mr. Lung's son in the forehead with the machete. The son fled inside. Tuan pursued him briefly before returning to argue with his uncle. He then attacked Mr. Lung with the machete, leaving him unconscious.

Hearing the commotion, Mr. Dam, who was tending his garden, rushed to the scene and found his cousin motionless. Mr. Lung's son returned and called for help. Mr. Lung died later that evening. His son sustained injuries requiring several days of treatment, resulting in a 14% disability.

Tuan's family has since paid over 100 million VND in compensation to the victims' family.

In court, Tuan expressed remorse but claimed the victims' family had repeatedly insulted his family. He said he didn't inform his uncle about clearing the plants because he believed the land was his.

"They insulted and mentally harassed me, leading to the argument. The son attacked me, so I retaliated," Tuan testified, adding that Mr. Lung and his son had previously chased him with knives.

Mr. Lung's son, called to testify, disputed Tuan's account. He stated they questioned Tuan about clearing the disputed land without prior notice, but didn't insult or provoke him. Tuan then became aggressive and attacked both of them with the machete.

He also claimed inaccuracies in the investigation and indictment. For example, he said Mr. Dam was already at the scene, machete in hand, facing his father when he arrived, not after the attack.

Mr. Lung's daughter requested the maximum penalty for Tuan and 1.3 billion VND in compensation for funeral expenses, emotional distress, and lost income.

After hours of questioning, the judges returned the case to the prosecutor's office for further investigation, citing unresolved issues.

Binh Nguyen