On 18/9, the Nghe An Provincial People's Court sentenced Hoang Huu Luong, 40, residing in Tan Chau commune, to 12 years in prison for murder and one year for illegal use of military weapons, resulting in a combined sentence of 13 years in prison.

In connection with the case, Nguyen Van Dao, 38, also residing in Tan Chau commune, received a 15-month suspended sentence for illegal possession of military weapons.

Defendants Luong (right) and Dao in court. Photo: Hung Le

In court, Luong expressed frustration, stating he could not control his actions because he felt pressured to use his truck as collateral, despite the vehicle's value exceeding the remaining debt. The defendant added that Dao was unaware of his true intention when borrowing the gun and requested the trial panel to reduce his friend's sentence.

Dao testified that he bought the gun online to occasionally hunt birds and was unaware Luong intended to use it for malicious purposes.

According to the indictment, in late February, Luong borrowed 700 million dong from Nguyen Van Than, 34, residing in Dong Thanh commune. Luong had repaid 300 million dong, but after repeated attempts to recover the remaining amount, a dispute arose between the two.

At noon on 7/4, Than asked a friend to call Luong and demand payment. If Luong could not pay, Than proposed that Luong hand over the truck's registration papers to formalize a sale, securing the 400 million dong outstanding debt. Luong could then repurchase the vehicle later when he had the money.

Aware of this development, Luong feared a conflict or fight, so he called Dao to borrow a gun, claiming he needed it "to shoot some egrets for a drinking snack." Dao agreed, providing a gun and three bullets.

Around 6:30 p.m., Luong drove to the agreed meeting point to see Than. Approaching the location, he noticed many people with Than, so he turned his car around and left. Later, a friend called Luong, urging him to return to complete the paperwork for the truck as collateral.

Authorities accused Luong of returning with the intent to shoot Than. Approximately 35 meters from the group, Luong stopped his car, lowered the window, and fired. The bullet struck Than's left chin, penetrating his neck. The second shot missed everyone.

Luong then drove away from the scene and was arrested by police a few hours later. Than was rushed to the emergency room and suffered a 5% health impairment.

Duc Hung