Dien Bien Provincial Police announced on 9/12 that they had arrested Vang, 39, residing in Muong Cha commune, to investigate his alleged murder.

Vang confessed that he suspected Ms. Chu, 70, of using 'ma chai', a form of black magic, which he believed caused his mother and child to suffer from frequent illnesses. This suspicion led him to plan her murder.

Sung A Vang and the murder weapon. Photo: Police handout

According to his plan, on the evening of 6/12, Vang prepared a homemade flintlock rifle and then ambushed near Ms. Chu's home. Around 0:30 on 7/12, upon seeing Ms. Chu return after having dinner at her nephew's house, Vang shot her, causing the victim to collapse in her yard.

The 70-year-old victim was rushed to the communal medical center for emergency treatment but died at 10h the same day. Less than 24h later, police arrested Vang, who initially provided false statements to investigators.

By 0h on 8/12, the suspect confessed to the crime.