On the afternoon of 9/2, the Dong Nai People's Procuracy recommended the death penalty for Le Sy Tung, accused of murdering three members of an agricultural product facility owner's family in Dak Nhau commune. Three other defendants involved in illegal gun sales also face proposed prison sentences.

According to the prosecution, the proceedings in court today align with the evidence, testimonies, and exhibits gathered during the investigation. There is sufficient basis to affirm the indictment charging Tung with murder; property robbery; illegal storage, transport, use, and trade of military weapons; and property destruction.

Tung directly took the lives of multiple individuals from a single family, including a child.

"This child should have been playing with friends, eagerly preparing for Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year). Instead, the defendant cruelly committed this act, leaving profound grief and loss for the victims' family," the prosecutor stated. They added that Tung's crime shocked the community, disrupting peace, particularly in remote areas, and gravely undermined security and order, showing disregard for the rule of law.

Tung at today's trial. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

Tung at today's trial. Photo: Phuoc Tuan

The prosecution determined that Tung harbored a desire to gain notoriety, which led him to commit murder. To execute this plan, Tung sold his motorbike to purchase a gun and ammunition, acquired a safe cutter, and scouted affluent families living in isolated areas as targets.

During his preparations, Tung surveyed numerous locations. By 8/2025, he identified the Thien Hanh agricultural product facility and continued to observe the number of residents and their daily routines. After formulating a detailed plan, Tung proceeded with the crime.

The prosecution asserts that there is ample evidence establishing Tung's premeditated planning, driven by the intent to murder, seize property, and satisfy a passion for violent acts. The defendant's conduct poses a severe threat to society and warrants his removal to ensure public safety.

Consequently, the prosecution urged the Trial Panel to sentence Tung to death for murder; 9 to 10 years in prison for property robbery; 3 to 4 years in prison for illegal storage, transport, use, and trade of military weapons; and 1 year to 1 year 6 months in prison for property destruction. The cumulative sentence recommended is death.

Regarding the co-defendants: Luu Minh Tien, 29, faces a recommended sentence of 3 to 4 years in prison for manufacturing, illegal storage, and trade of military weapons. Nguyen Van Viet, 35, is proposed for 2 years 6 months to 3 years in prison for illegal storage, use, and trade of military weapons. Pham Quang Huy, 36, faces a recommendation of 1 year to 1 year 6 months in prison.

In his final statement to the court, Tung offered no comments and expressed no remorse.

The other defendants apologized to the victims' family, acknowledging their mistaken actions led to the crimes, expressing regret, and requesting reduced sentences.

Phuoc Tuan