On 21/5, Thang was sentenced to death by the Dong Thap Provincial People's Court for murder and received 10 years in prison for property robbery, with the combined sentence being death.
His accomplice, Nguyen Chi Linh, 24, from Vinh Long, received 28 years in prison.
The families of both defendants had previously compensated the victim's family 120 million VND and were ordered to pay an additional 40 million VND.
According to the court, the defendants' actions were extremely dangerous, violating others' lives and property, disrupting public order, and required severe punishment.
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Tran Nguyen Huu Thang in court. Photo: Nam An |
According to the indictment, Thang befriended Huu, a 31-year-old transgender individual residing in Long Tien commune, on Facebook after seeing Huu frequently post photos flaunting money and gold. Thang repeatedly asked to borrow money but was always refused.
Heavily in debt and aware that Huu operated a massage service, Thang conceived a plan to solicit sex and then rob Huu, inviting Linh to participate.
On the afternoon of 30/1 last year, the second day of Tet, Thang asked Linh to drive him to Huu's place, claiming he needed to "collect money to pay debts". En route, Thang picked up a rock, hid it in his jacket, and stated he would act if the victim resisted.
Upon arrival, Linh entered the room and had sexual relations with Huu before leaving. Thang then entered, again requesting to borrow money, but was refused.
According to the accusation, Thang then asked Linh to restrain Huu while he choked the victim until Huu stopped reacting.
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Tran Nguyen Huu Thang during the crime scene re-enactment. Photo: Tien Giang Police. |
After the crime, Thang stole various items from the victim, including gold, silver, a phone, and cash, totaling over 125 million VND. He gave Linh 2 million VND, then sold the gold to pay debts, cover expenses, and flee.
Three days later, Huu's family, unable to contact him, went to check and discovered the murder.
Following leads, Tien Giang Police, in coordination with Ben Tre Police, apprehended Thang and Linh while they were hiding in Minh Duc commune, Mo Cay Nam district, Ben Tre province, approximately 70 km from the crime scene.
Nam An
* The victim's name has been changed.
