On 19/3, the Tay Ninh Provincial People's Court sentenced Phuc to 18 years in prison for murder and 2 years for illegal use of military weapons, resulting in a combined sentence of 20 years.

The trial panel determined that the defendant's actions were thuggish, involving the use of a dangerous weapon, and directly endangered the victim's life.

Mai Truong Phuc at his online trial. Photo: Nam An

According to the indictment, on the afternoon of 10/4, Phuc was drinking with a group of friends at a relative's house in An Tinh ward, Trang Bang town. Afterward, a man named Son invited the group to a snail restaurant for beer.

Upon seeing Phuc's group at an adjacent table, Son remarked, "So many people out, this will cost more money." This comment led to a dispute and argument between the two parties. Son then struck Phuc's hand with a glass. After others intervened, Phuc's group left the restaurant.

However, fueled by anger, Phuc went to his uncle's house, retrieved a knife, hid it on his person, and borrowed a motorbike to return to the restaurant under the guise of buying cigarettes. There, Phuc used the knife to stab Son once in the back.

After the attack, Phuc concealed the knife, returned the motorbike, and went home to sleep. The victim was rushed to the emergency room but died the following day.

Phuc later surrendered to the police.

*The victim's name has been changed.

Nam An