On 14/8, Lu Phuoc Hai, originally from Bac Lieu, was sentenced to death by the Dong Thap Provincial People's Court for murder. The defendant was also ordered to pay over 100 million VND in compensation and provide child support for the victim's child until they reach adulthood.

The judicial panel determined that Hai's actions displayed a brutal nature. Driven by a minor conflict, he was determined to take the lives of the victims, indicating no potential for rehabilitation and necessitating his isolation from society.

Lu Phuoc Hai in court. Photo: Hoang Nam

According to the indictment, Hai worked as a laborer and lived with Tran Thi My, 44, as a common-law couple in Go Cong Dong commune. They had a child together, 9 years old.

On the evening of 30/4 last year, while at home, Hai overheard My's brother, Tran Van Tu, 58, and her mother, Nguyen Thi Tuyet, 76, who lived next door, advise My against continuing to live with Hai.

Angered, and recalling a previous incident where Tu had cursed at him and threatened him with a knife, Hai went to the kitchen, retrieved a knife, and proceeded to Tu's house.

Spotting Tu lying in a hammock, Hai rushed forward and stabbed him once in the chest, causing the victim to collapse. Upon seeing Tuyet eating, Hai continued his attack. Tran Thi Thuy, Tuyet's daughter, ran to intervene and scream for help but was also stabbed in the shoulder by Hai.

After committing the crime, Hai discarded the knife, ran a short distance, then called the hamlet chief, requesting a ride to the commune police station to surrender.

Tu was transported to Cho Ray Hospital for emergency treatment but died later. Tuyet sustained injuries amounting to 28%, while Thuy suffered 2% injuries.

Hoang Nam