On 24/6, Vu was sentenced to life in prison by the Long An People's Court for murder and ordered to pay 160 million VND in compensation to his brother's family.

The court noted that Vu had two prior convictions for intentional injury, for which his record hadn't been cleared, and yet he murdered his brother over a minor conflict. His actions demonstrated a disregard for the law, necessitating his removal from society for a significant period as a deterrent.

Before sentencing, Vu expressed remorse for his actions and apologized to his family.

Pham Van Hong Vu in court. Photo: Nam An

Pham Van Hong Vu in court. Photo: Nam An

According to the indictment, Vu, a freelance worker, returned home after drinking on the afternoon of 17/7/2024 and encountered a friend who had just attended a party at his younger brother's adjacent house. Vu and his friend began playfully shoving each other in the front yard. Vu's brother, mistaking the horseplay for a fight, intervened. Angered, Vu grabbed his brother's hair and attempted to hit him, but others intervened.

Later, hearing his brother insulting him from the front yard, Vu went to the kitchen, grabbed a homemade machete, and went after his brother. During a struggle, Vu struck his brother's back with the handle of the machete and returned home.

Approximately 20 minutes later, while lying in a hammock, Vu heard his brother continuing to insult him. Enraged, he grabbed a knife, ran to his brother's house, and stabbed him multiple times. The victim collapsed and was taken to the hospital but did not survive.

Nam An