The People's Court of TP HCM sentenced Nguyen Tan Phat, 41, to 13 years in prison for murder on 16/3.

According to the trial panel, the defendant, driven by baseless jealousy, prepared a weapon and attacked his ex-wife with the intent to take her life. The victim's survival was beyond Phat's intention, and the court deemed a severe penalty necessary. However, given the somewhat limited consequences of the crime and the victim's plea for leniency for Phat, the court reduced a portion of the sentence.

Defendant Nguyen Tan Phat in court today. Photo: Binh Nguyen

Defendant Nguyen Tan Phat in court today. Photo: Binh Nguyen

The indictment states that Phat married Ms. Bich in 2008, and they had two children. In 2021, they divorced but continued to live together in a rented room in Hoc Mon District. They later moved to her mother's house.

While living there, Phat suspected his ex-wife had a romantic relationship with another man, which led to frequent arguments. He then moved back to his mother's house in Ba Diem commune.

On the afternoon of 23/1/2025, Phat was on his way to work when he saw Ms. Bich talking on the phone outside a massage parlor for the visually impaired. Suspecting she was communicating with a boyfriend, he demanded to check her phone, which escalated into another argument. Fearing Phat would cause trouble, Ms. Bich called her mother and son to pick her up and take her home.

Phat then went drinking. After repeatedly calling his ex-wife without success, he became enraged and decided to seek revenge. He stopped at a convenience store, bought scissors, hid them on his person, and took a vehicle to Ms. Bich's house.

Upon arrival, Phat went straight to the bedroom. He saw his ex-wife lying on the mattress with their son, talking on the phone. He immediately pulled out the scissors and stabbed her multiple times in the abdomen. Their son cried out for help, and along with other family members, restrained Phat and reported the incident to the police. Her family rushed Ms. Bich to the emergency room; she fortunately survived but sustained 75% injuries.

In court today, Phat admitted to the wrongdoing but still blamed his ex-wife for "having a romantic relationship with another man," which he claimed angered him.

Meanwhile, Ms. Bich stated that Phat's baseless jealousy often caused conflicts between them. Despite this, she agreed to ask the court for a lighter sentence for her ex-husband.

Binh Nguyen