Tran Van Ngan, 61, was detained by Vinh Long Provincial Police on 23/9 on charges of murder and property robbery.

Tran Van Ngan (right) at the investigative agency. Photo: Nam An

Tran Van Ngan (right) at the investigative agency. Photo: Nam An

The investigation began on the evening of 18/9, when the victim's 83-year-old brother returned home from selling lottery tickets and discovered his 70-year-old sister deceased in her bedroom. Investigators noted that several pieces of jewelry she regularly wore were missing.

Following a scene examination, investigators identified Ngan as the suspect within 48 hours and brought him in for questioning. Initially, he was evasive and denied any involvement, but later confessed to the crime when presented with evidence.

Ngan, a neighbor, frequently helped the victim spray her garden plants. He confessed that around 4h on 18/9, he visited her home to ask for a loan of two 'chi' of gold. When she refused, stating she had none, he retreated to the durian garden behind her house to wait.

Nearly 4 hours later, after observing the victim's brother leave the house to sell lottery tickets, Ngan returned and murdered the elderly woman. He then stole an 18K gold necklace and used scissors to cut three 24K gold bracelets from her wrist before fleeing the scene. The following day, Ngan sold the stolen gold for 180 million VND.