On 27/3, the Nghe An Provincial People's Court sentenced Tuan, 49, residing in Nghia Hung commune, for murder and illegal possession of military weapons, under Articles 123 and 304 of the Penal Code.

The court ordered Tuan to pay 294 million VND in compensation (deducting 93 million VND already paid) and provide monthly support of 2 million VND for the victim's two children until they reach 18 years of age.

Defendant Tuan at court. Photo: Hung Le

At trial, Tuan expressed remorse, stating there was no prior conflict. He acted out of frustration after the victim became disruptive, cursed, and assaulted him while he was intoxicated and unable to control his actions. Following the incident, Tuan's family provided 93 million VND in compensation to the victim's family.

According to the indictment, on the afternoon of 14/6/2025, Tuan, along with Hanh, 46, residing in Quy Hop commune, and several friends, gathered to drink beer and sing karaoke. During the gathering, Hanh became agitated about work matters and spoke loudly. Noticing the late hour and fearing his friend was heavily intoxicated, Tuan suggested everyone go home and stop singing to avoid disturbing neighbors.

Everyone else left, but Tuan and Hanh continued drinking beer at a seedling nursery shed. Around 10:30 PM that day, seeing Hanh intoxicated, cursing, and throwing items around the shed, Tuan sternly told him, "You're drunk, stop it". When Hanh continued his verbal abuse, Tuan tried to embrace him and push him out into the yard.

Hanh refused to leave, turning back to punch Tuan twice in the mouth. Authorities accused Tuan of being aggravated by his friend's disruptive behavior, verbal abuse, and assault, leading him to grab a knife and stab Hanh once in the abdomen, causing his death.

Duc Hung