The verdict, delivered on the afternoon of February 25 by the Nghe An provincial People's Court, found Sau, a resident of Dong Thanh commune, guilty of murder and illegal possession of military weapons, offenses covered by Articles 123 and 304 of the Penal Code.

During the trial, Sau expressed remorse and apologized to his wife and children, stating he had no intention of taking his wife's life. He claimed the crime resulted from anger and a loss of control.

The court determined Sau's actions posed a danger to society and required strict punishment as a deterrent. However, it considered several mitigating circumstances: he committed the crime under mental provocation caused by the victim's unlawful actions, and his family had contributions to the revolution.

Defendant Sau in court. Photo: Hung Le

Defendant Sau in court. Photo: Hung Le

According to the indictment, Sau and his wife, Ngan, had three children and frequently experienced conflicts and arguments in their life.

On the evening of 9/10/2025, at their home in Dong Thanh commune (formerly part of Yen Thanh district), Sau and his wife argued over money. During the heated argument, Ngan struck her husband on the head and face with an electric fan.

Authorities accused Sau of going to the kitchen, retrieving a long-bladed knife, and returning to "talk." Ngan also grabbed a rice-drying tool and swung it at her husband, but missed. Sau then lunged and stabbed his wife twice in the chest, causing her to collapse. She was rushed to the emergency room but did not survive.

After the incident, Sau surrendered to the police.

Duc Hung