On 30/6, 32-year-old Chu Ngoc Lan was sentenced to 16 years in prison by the Hanoi People's Court for murder and property destruction. The victim was 38-year-old Linh.

The two began their affair in early 2024, while Lan was already married. Consequently, he lived in two places. On the afternoon of 13/5/2024, an argument led to Linh sending Lan back to his family home.

Defendant Chu Ngoc Lan at the court. Photo: Danh Lam

Defendant Chu Ngoc Lan at the court. Photo: Danh Lam

Around 10 PM that same day, after returning from drinks with friends, the two continued to argue via text messages. Lan threatened to bring gasoline and set Linh's house on fire. Fearing for her safety, Linh called Lan's younger sister and a male friend for protection.

At 3 AM the next morning, Lan filled a 5-liter can with gasoline and texted Linh, "In 10 minutes, I'll make your house the brightest on the street".

Arriving at Linh's house, Lan continued to text her, demanding she open the door and reiterating his threat. After sending the message, he poured half the can of gasoline into the gap beneath the main door.

Linh's male friend opened the door and asked Lan what he was pouring into the house. Lan questioned Linh about the stranger's presence, and the two began arguing loudly again. Lan then poured the remaining gasoline onto the floor.

Lan's sister and the male friend intervened, pulling Lan to the end of the alley to take him home. However, after about 300 meters, he jumped out of the vehicle and ran back to Linh's house to continue the confrontation.

Lan lit a lighter he had prepared and threw it onto the gasoline-soaked floor. The furniture and clothes in the room ignited, catching both Linh and her friend in the flames.

After being rushed to the hospital, Linh suffered burns to 45% of her body, and her belongings were damaged, totaling 150 million VND. Lan was hospitalized for 10 days and arrested upon his release.

In court, Lan admitted his actions and apologized to the victim and his family. He agreed to pay 500 million VND in compensation as requested by Linh.

Lan's father, a moto taxi driver, was present at the trial and stated he currently only had 5 million VND to contribute towards his son's restitution.

Hai Thu