On 21/4, the Dak Lak Provincial People's Court convicted Thuan of murder, property robbery, and illegal possession of military weapons. The trial panel stated that Thuan murdered multiple people, acted with extreme violence, and committed several dangerous crimes consecutively, showing no potential for rehabilitation. Thuan confessed honestly, admitting all his criminal acts, and declined to make a final statement.

Nguyen Nam Dai Thuan at the trial on the morning of 21/4. Photo: Kim Thi

The verdict detailed that Thuan married Nguyen Thi Kim Hoa, 33, in 2022, and they had a 4-year-old child. Due to Thuan's drug addiction and unemployment, Hoa's mother, Tran Thi Dung, 55, took her daughter and grandchild to live at her home in Thanh Nhat ward. On the evening of 12/9/2025, after using drugs, Thuan believed his wife's family mistreated him. He called Hoa multiple times, but she did not answer.

That same night, Thuan used a hammer and a long knife to attack Hoa, Dung, and Hoa's younger brother, Bui Van Nghia, 23, killing all three. Hoa's 13-year-old son from a previous relationship was injured, sustaining 17% injuries.

After the murders, Thuan searched and stole 6 million dong and a phone from his mother-in-law before fleeing. While on the run, he continued to buy and use drugs. He then used a Thai knife to overpower a woman on the road, stealing her motorbike, two phones, and one million dong.

The following morning, police arrested Thuan approximately 6 km from the crime scene.

By Kim Thi