On 20/4, the Dong Thap Provincial People's Court sentenced Minh, from Doc Binh Kieu commune, to 14 years in prison for murder and 5 years for illegal use of military weapons, resulting in a combined sentence of 19 years.

The trial panel determined that Minh's actions were thuggish, involving the use of a dangerous weapon to attack vital areas, demonstrating an intent to kill. The victims' survival was beyond the defendant's intention.

Nguyen Van Minh in court. Photo: Nam An

Minh, a worker, married Huong 16 years ago, and they had one child. Two years ago, the couple divorced, but Minh continued to live at his former in-laws' home.

In early January last year, fueled by jealousy and the belief that Huong was seeing another man, Minh initiated arguments. Following a quarrel, Huong asked her ex-husband to move back to his parents' home.

Angered by this, Minh stabbed his ex-wife in the abdomen. Hearing her cries for help, Huong's 60-year-old father and mother, who were in the backyard, rushed in to intervene. Minh then stabbed them multiple times. The father subsequently called for help, and with the assistance of neighbors, Minh was restrained and reported to the police.

Forensic examination results showed Huong sustained 33% injuries, while her parents suffered injuries ranging from 9-31%. Following the incident, Minh compensated 30 million dong for the three victims' medical treatment costs.

Nam An

*Victim names have been changed.