On 23/4, the Tay Ninh Provincial People's Court sentenced Nga in an online trial. He received 20 years for murder and two years for illegal possession and use of military weapons, resulting in a combined sentence of 22 years in prison.

Nga's family had already paid 100 million VND for funeral expenses and emotional damages. The court ordered him to pay an additional 250 million VND in compensation.

Ho Trung Nga at the time of his arrest. Photo: Nam An

According to the indictment, Ho Trung Nga and Ho Van Muoi, who lived in Kenh Nha Tho hamlet, Nhon Hoa Lap commune, were cousins and lived close to each other. Their land dispute began 21 years ago and was resolved by an appellate court ruling.

Following the dispute, Nga purchased a homemade air rifle and ammunition online, storing them at his home for hunting birds.

On the morning of July 12 last year, Nga went to a melaleuca forest to hunt birds. There, he saw Muoi building an embankment on the previously disputed rice field. Nga ran over to signal him to stop, but Muoi, being deaf, continued his work.

Angered, Nga fired his gun, hitting Muoi in the chest.

Muoi returned home and lay in a hammock. Later that afternoon, his family found him and rushed him to the emergency room, but Muoi had already died.

After the shooting, Nga took the rifle and over 200 bullets to the police station and surrendered.

Nam An