On the afternoon of 23/3, the Tay Ninh Provincial People's Court sentenced Duong to life imprisonment for murder. He was also ordered to pay over 300 million dong in compensation to the victim's family.

The judicial panel stated that the defendant's actions were violent and unprovoked, resulting in the loss of a life. The court determined that a lengthy period of isolation from society was necessary for deterrence and rehabilitation.

Duong, a freelance laborer, has a history of legal troubles, including forced rehabilitation and time in an educational facility for property destruction, fighting, and public disturbance. He also has prior convictions for theft and robbery.

According to the indictment, on the evening of 27/8 last year, after consuming alcohol, Duong rode his motorbike to a cafe in Binh Minh ward. There, he approached a stranger, identified as Quoc, and attempted to engage him in conversation, but received no response.

Perceiving this as disrespect, Duong aggressively attacked Quoc, repeatedly punching and kicking his face and head. When Quoc tried to leave the cafe, Duong pursued him, continuing the assault with his hands and a plastic chair until Quoc lost consciousness.

After the assault, Duong returned home and went to sleep. Quoc was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries 4 days later.

Nam An

*The victim's name has been changed.