On 12/9, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Court found Tuan guilty of murder and ordered him to pay nearly 600 million VND in compensation to the victims' family.
The court stated that Tuan's use of a deadly weapon in response to a minor disagreement, resulting in one death and one injury, demonstrated extreme danger and aggression. While the victims shared some responsibility for the escalation, the severity of Tuan's actions warranted a strict sentence.
Tuan and his uncle, Mr. Lung, lived next door to each other in My Thai commune (formerly Cu Chi district). Their families had a long-standing feud over a boundary line. Tuan's father, Mr. Dam, had been sued by Mr. Lung and his son for alleged encroachment.
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Defendant Nguyen Van Tuan in court. Photo: Hai Duyen |
Defendant Nguyen Van Tuan in court. Photo: Hai Duyen
On the afternoon of 25/9/2023, Tuan was clearing brush with a machete on the disputed land. Mr. Lung and his son confronted Tuan, arguing that he should have notified them before clearing vegetation on the contested property. The argument escalated, and Tuan struck Mr. Lung's son in the forehead with the machete. As the son fled, Tuan pursued him briefly before turning back and attacking Mr. Lung with multiple blows, leaving him unconscious.
Hearing the commotion, Mr. Dam rushed from his garden to find his cousin motionless. Mr. Lung's son returned, calling for help to get his father to the hospital. Mr. Lung died later that evening. His son sustained injuries resulting in a 14% disability rating after several days of treatment.
In court, Tuan maintained he was clearing plants on his own property, not Mr. Lung's, but reacted violently after being insulted. Expressing remorse and offering apologies to the victims' family, Tuan stated he had paid 300 million VND in compensation through his lawyer.
Mr. Lung's son denied insulting Tuan, claiming he only asked why Tuan was clearing the disputed area without prior notice. He requested over 340 million VND to cover emotional distress, medical expenses, and lost income.
Mr. Lung's daughter sought the maximum penalty for Tuan and 1.3 billion VND in compensation.
Hai Duyen
